Screening patch tests for pigmented contact dermatitis in Israel

Pigmented contact dermatitis has been found to be caused by fragrances, cos metics, washing powders, azo dyes in textiles, and rubber products in selec ted groups of patients. The aim of this study was to run screening patch te sts in an unselected group of patients with pigmented contact dermatitis (n =29) encountered in our center over a 2-year period. The test series includ ed the European standard, cosmetics, fragrance, Scandinavian photo, and per sonal products. 21 patients had a positive reaction in at least 1 of the se ries (total, 29 reactions): 16 - standard, 3 - cosmetics, 1 fragrance, 9 - photo, and 1 - personal products; 16 (55%) had relevant results. We conclud e that the highest yield for screening for pigmented contact dermatitis is achieved with the standard and photo series.