BACKGROUND: A scattered generalized distribution (SGD) of dermatitis is a challenging problem; patch testing is a strategy for evaluating allergic contact dermatitis as a relevant factor. OBJECTIVE: We sought to analyze patient characteristics and most frequently relevant positive allergens in patients presenting for patch testing with SGD. METHODS: We conducted retrospective cross-sectional analysis of North American Contact Dermatitis Group 2001 to 2004 data. Patients with SGD were compared with patients without SGD. RESULTS: Of 10,061 patients, 14.9% (n = 1497) had only a SGD. Men and patients with a history of atopic eczema were more likely to have dermatitis in a SGD (P < .001). Preservatives, fragrances, propylene glycol, cocamidopropyl betaine, ethyleneurea melamine formaldehyde, tixocortol pivalate, and budesonide were among the more frequently relevant positive allergens. Top allergen sources included cosmetics/beauty preparations/skin and health care products, clothing, and topical corticoids. LIMITATIONS: This was a retrospective analysis of patch-tested patients with SGD suspected to have allergy. CONCLUSIONS: A total of 49% of patients with SGD had at least one relevant positive allergen, thus demonstrating the benefit of patch testing these patients.
BACKGROUND: A scattered generalized distribution (SGD) of dermatitis is a challenging problem; patch testing is a strategy for evaluating allergic contact dermatitis as a relevant factor. OBJECTIVE: We sought to analyze patient characteristics and most frequently relevant positive allergens in patients presenting for patch testing with SGD. METHODS: We conducted retrospective cross-sectional analysis of North American Contact Dermatitis Group 2001 to 2004 data. Patients with SGD were compared with patients without SGD. RESULTS: Of 10,061 patients, 14.9% (n = 1497) had only a SGD. Men and patients with a history of atopic eczema were more likely to have dermatitis in a SGD (P < .001). Preservatives, fragrances, propylene glycol, cocamidopropyl betaine, ethyleneurea melamine formaldehyde, tixocortol pivalate, and budesonide were among the more frequently relevant positive allergens. Top allergen sources included cosmetics/beauty preparations/skin and health care products, clothing, and topical corticoids. LIMITATIONS: This was a retrospective analysis of patch-tested patients with SGD suspected to have allergy. CONCLUSIONS: A total of 49% of patients with SGD had at least one relevant positive allergen, thus demonstrating the benefit of patch testing these patients.
Authors: Robert Sidbury; Wynnis L Tom; James N Bergman; Kevin D Cooper; Robert A Silverman; Timothy G Berger; Sarah L Chamlin; David E Cohen; Kelly M Cordoro; Dawn M Davis; Steven R Feldman; Jon M Hanifin; Alfons Krol; David J Margolis; Amy S Paller; Kathryn Schwarzenberger; Eric L Simpson; Hywel C Williams; Craig A Elmets; Julie Block; Christopher G Harrod; Wendy Smith Begolka; Lawrence F Eichenfield Journal: J Am Acad Dermatol Date: 2014-09-26 Impact factor: 11.527