Regina Renner1, Jan C Simon, Regina Treudler. 1. Klinik für Dermatologie, Venerologie und Allergologie, Universitätsklinikum Leipzig A.ö.R., Leipzig, Germany. regina.renner@uk-erlangen.de
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Patients with chronic leg ulcers typically experience contact allergy to topical treatments. Although declared as hypoallergenic, modern wound dressings have caused several reported cases of contact allergy. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate any allergenic potential of modern wound dressings in patients with leg ulcers. METHODS: Seventy-one patients were included in our prospective observation. Patch tests were performed with a selection of 10 modern wound dressings and with selected allergens according to series of the German Contact Dermatitis Research Group (DKG). RESULTS: Of 70 patients eligible for evaluation, 12 (17%) were positive for the hydrogel NuGel, followed by the hydrocolloid NuDerm (n = 7/70, 10%) and the ionic silver-containing wound dressing Aquacel Ag and the gauze Adaptic (both n = 4/70, 5%). Patients with recalcitrant ulcers of prolonged duration showed a significant higher number of epicutaneous sensitizations to wound dressings than patients with shorter ulcer duration. CONCLUSIONS: The allergenic potential of modern wound dressings should not be underestimated. There is need for precise declaration of all ingredients.
BACKGROUND:Patients with chronic leg ulcers typically experience contact allergy to topical treatments. Although declared as hypoallergenic, modern wound dressings have caused several reported cases of contact allergy. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate any allergenic potential of modern wound dressings in patients with leg ulcers. METHODS: Seventy-one patients were included in our prospective observation. Patch tests were performed with a selection of 10 modern wound dressings and with selected allergens according to series of the German Contact Dermatitis Research Group (DKG). RESULTS: Of 70 patients eligible for evaluation, 12 (17%) were positive for the hydrogel NuGel, followed by the hydrocolloid NuDerm (n = 7/70, 10%) and the ionic silver-containing wound dressing Aquacel Ag and the gauze Adaptic (both n = 4/70, 5%). Patients with recalcitrant ulcers of prolonged duration showed a significant higher number of epicutaneous sensitizations to wound dressings than patients with shorter ulcer duration. CONCLUSIONS: The allergenic potential of modern wound dressings should not be underestimated. There is need for precise declaration of all ingredients.