[Contact allergies in patients with chronic wounds: results of a study from 1999 to 2004].

Patients with chronic wounds frequently acquire clinically relevant contact sensitization. We examined the results of the skin patch tests in patients with chronic wounds, who were treated between 1999-2004 in the Department of Dermatology, University School of Medicine, Essen, Germany. Altogether 105 patients with chronic wounds underwent patch testing. In 68 individuals, contact sensitization to at least one substance was detected. The most frequent contact allergens were to balsam of Peru, Amerchol L-101, fragrance mix, wool wax alcohols and rosins. Contact sensitization to wound dressing materials was also identified in 4 patients. Our results demonstrate the current spectrum of contact sensitization of patients with chronic wounds. Our results show the importance of paying attention to the ingredients in wound dressings and performing patch testing if there is any clinical suggestion of allergic contact dermatitis.