Chromate Allergy in Northern Israel in Relation to Exposure to Cement and Detergents

Gender differences in allergic contact dermatitis to common allergens

BACKGROUND

Gender-based differences in skin structure, physiology, and allergen exposure can influence contact dermatitis development.

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated the differences and trends in contact sensitizers, focusing on the top 10 allergens and personal care product (PCP) contact allergies from a gender perspective.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective chart review of 5998 patients undergoing patch testing at an occupational and contact dermatitis clinic in a Thai, university-based, tertiary referral hospital from January 2001 to December 2021. Patients' characteristics and patch test results were collected.

RESULTS

Females had a higher positive patch test rate than males (71.8% vs. 65%, p < 0.001). However, males showed a greater prevalence of occupationally related allergic contact dermatitis (15.9%). Multivariate analysis revealed associations between being female and allergies to colophonium (aOR 1.46, 95% CI 1.07-1.99, p = 0.019), formaldehyde (aOR 1.97, 95% CI 1.17-13.31, p = 0.010), fragrance mix I (aOR 1.66, 95% CI 1.34-2.07, p < 0.001), MCI/MI (aOR 2.55, 95% CI 1.90-3.44, p < 0.001), neomycin (aOR 4.15, 95% CI 2.54-6.80, p < 0.001), and nickel (aOR 2.62, 95% CI 2.17-3.15, p < 0.001). Conversely, being male correlated with allergies to carba mix (aOR 0.51, 95% CI 0.41-0.64, p < 0.001), epoxy resin (aOR 0.26, 95% CI 0.14-0.47, p < 0.001), n-isopropyl-n-phenyl-4-phenylenediamine (aOR 0.41, 95% CI 0.20-0.83, p = 0.014), paraben mix (aOR 0.42, 95% CI 0.32-0.56, p < 0.001), and potassium dichromate (aOR 0.70, 95% CI 0.58-0.84, p < 0.001). Positive reactions to PCPs stood at 13% overall (males 17.1%, females 12.2%, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Gender plays a pivotal role in contact dermatitis. This work emphasises the importance of considering gender-specific factors when diagnosing and managing contact allergies.

Patch Test Results to European Baseline Series in Turkey: A Prospective and Multicenter Study

BACKGROUND

Patch testing with the European Baseline Series (EBS) is an essential diagnostic tool for the assessment of allergic contact dermatitis.

OBJECTIVE

The aims of the study were to describe the most common contact allergens identified with patch testing in Turkey and to establish the distribution of contact allergens among different regions in Turkey.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Twelve centers consisting of tertiary health care institutions were included in the study. A total of 1169 patients were patch tested with the EBS from 2015 to 2017.

RESULTS

A total of 596 patients (51.0%) had 1 or more positive patch test reactions to the EBS. A total of 30.2% (n = 353) of those tested had clinical relevance. Contact sensitivity was more common in young patients. The most common 10 allergens were nickel sulfate (20.4%), followed by textile dye mix (8.6%), cobalt chloride (8.3%), potassium dichromate (8.0%), p-phenylenediamine base (4.5%), balsam of Peru (4.3%), methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone (3.8%), thiuram mix (3.6%), fragrance mix I (3.0%), and methylisothiazolinone (2.9%).

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides a comprehensive profile of patch test results with the EBS in Turkey. An ongoing decrease in contact allergy to methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone and methylisothiazolinone was observed. Textile dye mix and p-phenylenediamine are beginning to pose a new risk in Turkey.

Chromium and leather: a review on the chemistry of relevance for allergic contact dermatitis to chromium

Abstract

As other causes decline in importance, chromium-tanned leather has become a more important source for chromium allergy, which affects around 1% of the general population. The aim of this review is to give suggestions on how to minimize the risk of leather-related allergic contact dermatitis, which can be elicited in chromium-allergic persons by hexavalent and trivalent chromium released from leather. Hexavalent chromium is the more potent chromium form and requires a lower skin dose to elicit allergic reactions. It is formed on the surface of some, antioxidant-free, leathers at dry conditions (< 35% relative humidity) and is influenced by the tanning process and other conditions, such as UV irradiation, contact with alkaline solutions, and leather age. Trivalent chromium is the dominant form released from chromium-tanned leather and its released amount is sufficient to elicit allergic reactions in some chromium-allergic individuals when they are exposed repetitively and over longer time (days – months). A low initial test result (< 3 mg/kg) for hexavalent chromium with the current standard test (ISO 17075) does not guarantee a low release of chromium from the leather or a low release of hexavalent chromium under typical exposure conditions during the service life of the leather. Information, labels, and certificates regarding leather products are often insufficient to protect chromium-allergic individuals. Correct labelling and information on the possible content of different allergens, as well as different tanning alternatives for certain leather products, are crucial.

Graphical abstract