Epidemiology of contact allergy in adults

Background: We aimed to determine the prevalence of contact sensitization i n the general Population and to investigate associations with important soc iodemographic and medical characteristics. Methods: Within a population-based nested, case-control study in Germany, w e performed patch tests with 25 standard allergens in 1141 adults (50.4% fe male, age median 50 years). Additional information was obtained by a dermat ologic examination, a standardized interview. and blood analysis. Results: At least one positive reaction was exhibited by 40.0% of the Subje cts. with reactions most frequently observed to fragrance mix (15.9%), nick el (13.1%), thimerosal (4.7%), and balsam of Peru (3.8%). Women were sensit ized more often than men (50.2% vs 29.9%. OR 2.36. CI 1.84-3.03), and this was also significant for fragrance mix. nickel. turpentine. cobalt chloride , and thimerosal. Contact sensitization was more frequent in subjects who r eported adverse skin reactions (53.8% vs. 32.6%; OR 2.41, CI 1.85-3.14), an d this was particularly true for sensitization to nickel (45.5% vs 8.8%, OR 8.64, CI 5.67-13.17) and fragrance mix (29.0% vs 14.0%, OR 2.51, CI 1.60-3 .91) and the corresponding intolerance of fashion jewelry and fragrances. C ontact sensitization decreased with increasing degree of occupational train ing (unskilled 45.9%, apprenticeship 40.1%, technical college 40.4%, and sc hool of engineering 12.5%; P = 0.023: trend test P = 0.042). Significant as sociations of contact sensitization and presence of allergen-specific IgE a ntibodies, atopic eczema, or psoriasis were not observed. Frequency estimat es for the general adult Population based on these findings were 28.0% for overall contact sensitization and 11.4% for fragrance mix, 9.9% for nickel, and 3.2% for thimerosal. Conclusions: It is Concluded that contact allergy is influenced by sociodem ographic parameters and plays an important role in the general population.