Wentworth, Ashley B.

Background Debate surrounds the validity of patch testing for allergic contact dermatitis in patients taking immunosuppressants and the extent to which these medications suppress patch test reactions. Previous studies have demonstrated that corticosteroids can suppress immune reactions measured in patch testing. Because immunomodulators are increasingly used, their impact on patch testing also requires evaluation. Objectives This study aimed to report patch test results in patients taking specific immunosuppressants and to review relevant literature. Methods A retrospective review of patients patch tested with the standard series at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2011, was conducted. Conclusions Positive patch test results occur during methotrexate therapy. How reactions would differ with no immunosuppression is unclear.

Background Recognition of allergic contact dermatitis attributed to textile dyes and resins is steadily increasing. Objective This study aims to review the results of patch testing with a textile series at our institution and to compare with previously published reports. Methods We performed a retrospective review of results in patients who underwent patch testing using a series of textile dyes and resins from January 1, 2000, through September 30, 2011. Results A total of 671 patients (mean age, 56.5 years; female, 65.9%) were patch tested with the textile series (42 dyes and resins). These patients were also generally tested with the standard patch test series (n = 620). Of the patients, 219 (32.6%) demonstrated allergic reaction to 1 or more textile dyes and resins, and 71 (10.6%) manifested irritant reactions. The most frequent allergens were disperse blue 106 1% (8.3%), disperse blue 124 1% (8.0%), and melamine formaldehyde 7% (8.0%). Of patients tested with the standard series, 36 (5.8%) showed a positive reaction to the traditional textile screening allergen p -phenylenediamine 1%. Conclusions Supplementing the standard series with the textile series increased detection of textile allergies. In patients suspected of textile allergy, addition of the textile series is necessary for appropriate diagnosis.