STUDY OF PATCH TEST IN PATIENTS WITH HAND DERMATITIS.

Objective:-Hand dermatitis is a chronic disease with considerable negative impact on quality of life. Numerous studies have investigated the prevalence and risk factors of hand dermatitis. Patch testing for hand dermatitis helps in identifying correct antigen thus helping in management. Aim:-To perform patch testing and to identify frequently implicated allergens in patients with hand dermatitis. Materials and Methods: This prospective study included 50 consecutive patients (28 women and 22 men) with hand dermatitis from January 2014 to December 2015 who attended department of dermatology. We patch tested with antigens of Indian standard series and suspected personal allergens. Results:-Thirty four patients (68%) of 50, showed positive patch reaction to one or more allergens with men (44%) and women (56%), the majority (80%) of the patients belonged to the 21 to 50 years age group . The most frequent implicated allergens were nickel (36%), potassium dichromate (28%) cobalt (26%). Conclusion:-Hand dermatitis is common in females and patch test is helpful in identification of probable allergens.