Comportamiento de las principales infecciones de transmisión sexual bacterianas durante la pandemia por SARS-CoV-2 / Epidemiologic Profile of the Main Bacterial Sexually Transmitted Infections During the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic

Introducción y objetivo Entre 2020-2021 hemos sufrido una pandemia por el virus SARS-CoV-2. Debido a los cambios sociales por la pandemia, nos hemos propuesto estudiar el comportamiento epidemiológico de las principales infecciones de transmisión sexual (ITS) bacterianas (clamidia, gonorrea y sífilis) durante este periodo y compararlo con periodos previos. Material y método Se recogieron las muestras mensuales de clamidia, gonorrea y sífilis entre los años 2018-2021 y las muestras positivas mensuales de SARS-CoV-2 entre los años 2020-2021 del Hospital General Universitario de Valencia, analizadas por técnica PCR Multiplex. Se recogieron datos clínicos y demográficos de los pacientes con ITS. Resultados Durante los años 2020-2021 (pandemia) se diagnosticaron más casos de ITS total (664) que durante los años 2018-2019 (prepandemia) (570), con tasas de incidencia superiores y tasas de positividad similares. Se ha observado una correlación cronológica negativa entre las muestras positivas de SARS-CoV-2 y las muestras positivas de ITS. La edad media de los pacientes con diagnóstico de clamidia, gonorrea y sífilis fue de 29,64 (IC 95% 19,33-41,14), 30,86 (IC 95% 20,24-42,45) y 37,04 (IC 95% 26,01-51,00) años, respectivamente. El número de casos de clamidia en varones ha aumentado un 13,85% (IC 95% 6,39-21,08; p=0,0003) en los años de pandemia. Conclusión Durante los años de pandemia, ha existido una correlación negativa entre los casos de SARS-CoV-2 y los casos de ITS, con más casos de clamidia en varones. Las ITS han aumentado en los 2 últimos años, por lo que son un importante problema de salud en la población joven y adulta que merece especial atención. (AU)

Introduction and objective The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic brought about social changes in 2020 and 2021. The aim of this study was to evaluate the epidemiologic profiles of the main sexually transmitted infections (STIs) of bacterial origin (chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis) diagnosed during this period and compare them to findings from previous years. Material and methods Drawing on data from Hospital General Universitario in Valencia, Spain, we recorded the number of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis cases diagnosed monthly by multiplex PCR in 2018-2021 and the number of PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 cases diagnosed monthly in 2020-2021. We also collected clinical and demographic information on all patients diagnosed with STIs during the years studied. Results The total number of STIs diagnosed increased from 570 in 2018-2019 to 664 in 2020-2021. PCR positivity rates were similar in the 2 periods, but the incidence rates were higher during the pandemic. The chronologic correlation between SARS-CoV-2 and STI positivity was negative. Mean age at diagnosis was 29.64 years (95% CI, 19.33-41.14) for chlamydia, 30.86 years (95% CI, 20.24-42.45) for gonorrhea, and 37.04 years (95% CI, 26.01-51.00) for syphilis. The number of men diagnosed with chlamydia increased by 13.85% (95% CI, 6.39-21.08; P=.0003) during the pandemic. Conclusions We observed a negative correlation between SARS-CoV-2 infections and STIs during the pandemic and an increase in chlamydia cases among men. STI cases rose during 2020-2021, indicating that they remain a significant problem that needs to be addressed in young and adult populations. (AU)

[Translated article] Epidemiologic Profile of the Main Bacterial Sexually Transmitted Infections During the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic / Comportamiento de las principales infecciones de transmisión sexual bacterianas durante la pandemia por SARS-CoV-2

Background and objective The COVID-19 pandemic brought about social changes in 2020 and 2021. The aim of this study was to evaluate the epidemiologic profiles of the main sexually transmitted infections (STIs) of bacterial origin (chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis) diagnosed during this period and compare them to findings from previous years. Material and methods Drawing on data from Hospital General Universitario in Valencia, Spain, we recorded the number of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis cases diagnosed monthly by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in 2018–2021 and the number of PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 cases diagnosed monthly in 2020–2021. We also collected clinical and demographic information on all patients diagnosed with STIs during the years studied. Results The total number of STIs diagnosed increased from 570 in 2018–2019 to 664 in 2020–2021. PCR positivity rates were similar in the 2 periods, but the incidence rates were higher during the pandemic. The chronologic correlation between SARS-CoV-2 and STI positivity was negative. Mean age at diagnosis was 29.64 years (95% CI, 19.33–41.14 years) for chlamydia, 30.86 years (95% CI, 20.24–42.45 years) for gonorrhea, and 37.04 years (95% CI, 26.01–51.00 years) for syphilis. The number of men diagnosed with chlamydia increased by 13.85% (95% CI, 6.39–21.08; p=.0003) during the pandemic.Conclusions We observed a negative correlation between SARS-CoV2 infections and STIs during the pandemic and an increase in chlamydia cases among men. STI cases rose during 2020–2021, indicating that they remain a significant problem that needs to be addressed in young and adult populations. (AU)

Introducción y objetivo Entre 2020-2021 hemos sufrido una pandemia por el virus SARS-CoV-2. Debido a los cambios sociales por la pandemia, nos hemos propuesto estudiar el comportamiento epidemiológico de las principales infecciones de transmisión sexual (ITS) bacterianas (clamidia, gonorrea y sífilis) durante este periodo y compararlo con periodos previos. Material y métodos Se recogieron las muestras mensuales de clamidia, gonorrea y sífilis entre los años 2018-2021 y las muestras positivas mensuales de SARS-CoV-2 entre los años 2020-2021 del Hospital General Universitario de Valencia, analizadas por técnica PCR Multiplex. Se recogieron datos clínicos y demográficos de los pacientes con ITS. Resultados Durante los años 2020-2021 (pandemia) se diagnosticaron más casos de ITS total (664) que durante los años 2018-2019 (prepandemia) (570), con tasas de incidencia superiores y tasas de positividad similares. Se ha observado una correlación cronológica negativa entre las muestras positivas de SARS-CoV-2 y las muestras positivas de ITS. La edad media de los pacientes con diagnóstico de clamidia, gonorrea y sífilis fue de 29,64 (IC 95% 19,33-41,14), 30,86 (IC 95% 20,24-42,45) y 37,04 (IC 95% 26,01-51,00) años, respectivamente. El número de casos de clamidia en varones ha aumentado 13,85% (IC 95% 6,39-21,08; p=0,0003) en los años de pandemia. Conclusiones Durante los años de pandemia ha existido una correlación negativa entre los casos de SARS-CoV-2 y los casos de ITS, con más casos de clamidia en varones. Las ITS han aumentado en los dos últimos años, por lo que son un importante problema de salud en la población joven y adulta que merece especial atención. (AU)

Epidemiologic Profile of the Main Bacterial Sexually Transmitted Infections During the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic. / Comportamiento de las principales infecciones de transmisión sexual bacterianas durante la pandemia por SARS-CoV-2.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic brought about social changes in 2020 and 2021. The aim of this study was to evaluate the epidemiologic profiles of the main sexually transmitted infections (STIs) of bacterial origin (chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis) diagnosed during this period and compare them to findings from previous years. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Drawing on data from Hospital General Universitario in Valencia, Spain, we recorded the number of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis cases diagnosed monthly by multiplex PCR in 2018-2021 and the number of PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 cases diagnosed monthly in 2020-2021. We also collected clinical and demographic information on all patients diagnosed with STIs during the years studied. RESULTS: The total number of STIs diagnosed increased from 570 in 2018-2019 to 664 in 2020-2021. PCR positivity rates were similar in the 2 periods, but the incidence rates were higher during the pandemic. The chronologic correlation between SARS-CoV-2 and STI positivity was negative. Mean age at diagnosis was 29.64 years (95% CI, 19.33-41.14) for chlamydia, 30.86 years (95% CI, 20.24-42.45) for gonorrhea, and 37.04 years (95% CI, 26.01-51.00) for syphilis. The number of men diagnosed with chlamydia increased by 13.85% (95% CI, 6.39-21.08; P=.0003) during the pandemic. CONCLUSIONS: We observed a negative correlation between SARS-CoV-2 infections and STIs during the pandemic and an increase in chlamydia cases among men. STI cases rose during 2020-2021, indicating that they remain a significant problem that needs to be addressed in young and adult populations.

Modificación de la prevalencia de genotipos del virus del papiloma humano en los condilomas acuminados tras la instauración de la vacuna profiláctica / Changes in the Prevalence of Human Papillomavirus Genotypes in Genital Warts Since the Introduction of Prophylactic Vaccines

Introducción El condiloma acuminado está causado por el virus del papiloma humano (VPH), cuyos genotipos se han descrito tradicionalmente como de bajo y alto riesgo (AR) oncogénico. Clásicamente, los genotipos más frecuentes son el 6, el 11, el 16 y el 18, incluidos en las dos primeras vacunas desarrolladas. Nuestro objetivo es valorar cambios en la prevalencia de estos genotipos tras 10 años desde la instauración de la vacuna profiláctica en nuestro medio. Material y métodos Se trata de un estudio observacional descriptivo retrospectivo realizado en la UITS de un Servicio de Dermatología entre enero de 2016 y junio de 2019, seleccionando posteriormente a los pacientes diagnosticados de condilomas acuminados. Resultados Se han diagnosticado 362 pacientes con condilomas acuminados, realizándose genotipado en 212 pacientes (58,6%). Se han detectado 32 genotipos distintos, siendo los más frecuentes el 6, el 11, el 16 y el 42. En el 93,9% la detección de VPH fue positiva, detectándose hasta 299 genotipos, lo que corresponde a 1,5 por paciente. En el 26,6% de pacientes se detectaron más de un genotipo distinto de VPH. En el 24,1% se detectó al menos un genotipo de AR. No se observó asociación estadísticamente significativa entre la presencia de un genotipo de AR y las variables estudiadas. En el 91,4% de las lesiones se aisló al menos uno de los cuatro genotipos cubiertos por las dos primeras vacunas desarrolladas. Conclusiones La prevalencia de los genotipos de VPH incluidos en las dos primeras vacunas profilácticas desarrolladas ha disminuido. La implicación de al menos uno de los cuatro genotipos más frecuentes se ha mantenido estable con respecto a hace 10 años. Las infecciones por múltiples genotipos y la presencia de al menos un genotipo de AR oncogénico ha aumentado ligeramente (AU)

Background and objective Genital warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), whose genotypes have traditionally been classified as low risk or high risk (oncogenic). The first 2 prophylactic vaccines included the most common genotypes at the time: HPV-6, HPV-11, HPV-16, and HPV-18. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of HPV types in our setting 10 years after the introduction of HPV vaccines. Material and methods Descriptive, observational, retrospective study of patients diagnosed with genital warts at the sexually transmitted infection unit of a dermatology department between January 2016 and June 2019. Results In total, 362 patients were diagnosed with genital warts during the study period, and 212 (58.6%) underwent genotyping. Thirty-two distinct HPV types were observed, the most common being HPV-6, HPV-11, HPV-16, and HPV-42. HPV DNA was detected in 93.9% of the samples analyzed, and there were 299 genotypes (mean, 1.5 per patient). Overall, 26.6% of patients had more than a single HPV genotype, while 24.1% had at least 1 high-risk type. No significant associations were found between the presence of high-risk HPV types and any of the study variables. At least 2 of the 4 HPV types targeted in the original vaccines were detected in 94.1% of lesions. Conclusions Compared to 10 years ago, the prevalences of HPV types included in the first 2 prophylactic vaccines have decreased, while the proportion of patients with at least 1 of the 4 most common types has remained unchanged. We also observed a slight increase in infections with multiple HPV types or at least 1 high-risk type (AU)

[Translated article] Changes in the Prevalence of Human Papillomavirus Genotypes in Genital Warts Since the Introduction of Prophylactic Vaccines / Modificación de la prevalencia de genotipos del virus del papiloma humano en los condilomas acuminados tras la instauración de la vacuna profiláctica

Background and objective Genital warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), whose genotypes have traditionally been classified as low risk or high risk (oncogenic). The first 2 prophylactic vaccines included the most common genotypes at the time: HPV-6, HPV-11, HPV-16, and HPV-18. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of HPV types in our setting 10 years after the introduction of HPV vaccines. Material and methods Descriptive, observational, retrospective study of patients diagnosed with genital warts at the sexually transmitted infection unit of a dermatology department between January 2016 and June 2019. Results In total, 362 patients were diagnosed with genital warts during the study period, and 212 (58.6%) underwent genotyping. Thirty-two distinct HPV types were observed, the most common being HPV-6, HPV-11, HPV-16, and HPV-42. HPV DNA was detected in 93.9% of the samples analyzed, and there were 299 genotypes (mean, 1.5 per patient). Overall, 26.6% of patients had more than a single HPV genotype, while 24.1% had at least 1 high-risk type. No significant associations were found between the presence of high-risk HPV types and any of the study variables. At least 2 of the 4 HPV types targeted in the original vaccines were detected in 94.1% of lesions. Conclusions Compared to 10 years ago, the prevalences of HPV types included in the first 2 prophylactic vaccines have decreased, while the proportion of patients with at least 1 of the 4 most common types has remained unchanged. We also observed a slight increase in infections with multiple HPV types or at least 1 high-risk type (AU)

Introducción El condiloma acuminado está causado por el virus del papiloma humano (VPH), cuyos genotipos se han descrito tradicionalmente como de bajo y alto riesgo (AR) oncogénico. Clásicamente, los genotipos más frecuentes son el 6, el 11, el 16 y el 18, incluidos en las dos primeras vacunas desarrolladas. Nuestro objetivo es valorar cambios en la prevalencia de estos genotipos tras 10 años desde la instauración de la vacuna profiláctica en nuestro medio. Material y métodos Se trata de un estudio observacional descriptivo retrospectivo realizado en la UITS de un Servicio de Dermatología entre enero de 2016 y junio de 2019, seleccionando posteriormente a los pacientes diagnosticados de condilomas acuminados. Resultados Se han diagnosticado 362 pacientes con condilomas acuminados, realizándose genotipado en 212 pacientes (58,6%). Se han detectado 32 genotipos distintos, siendo los más frecuentes el 6, el 11, el 16 y el 42. En el 93,9% la detección de VPH fue positiva, detectándose hasta 299 genotipos, lo que corresponde a 1,5 por paciente. En el 26,6% de pacientes se detectaron más de un genotipo distinto de VPH. En el 24,1% se detectó al menos un genotipo de AR. No se observó asociación estadísticamente significativa entre la presencia de un genotipo de AR y las variables estudiadas. En el 91,4% de las lesiones se aisló al menos uno de los cuatro genotipos cubiertos por las dos primeras vacunas desarrolladas. Conclusiones La prevalencia de los genotipos de VPH incluidos en las dos primeras vacunas profilácticas desarrolladas ha disminuido. La implicación de al menos uno de los cuatro genotipos más frecuentes se ha mantenido estable con respecto a hace 10 años. Las infecciones por múltiples genotipos y la presencia de al menos un genotipo de AR oncogénico ha aumentado ligeramente (AU)

Changes in the Prevalence of Human Papillomavirus Genotypes in Genital Warts Since the Introduction of Prophylactic Vaccines. / Modificación de la prevalencia de genotipos del virus del papiloma humano en los condilomas acuminados tras la instauración de la vacuna profiláctica.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Genital warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), whose genotypes have traditionally been classified as low risk or high risk (oncogenic). The first 2 prophylactic vaccines included the most common genotypes at the time: HPV-6, HPV-11, HPV-16, and HPV-18. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of HPV types in our setting 10 years after the introduction of HPV vaccines. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Descriptive, observational, retrospective study of patients diagnosed with genital warts at the sexually transmitted infection unit of a dermatology department between January 2016 and June 2019. RESULTS: In total, 362 patients were diagnosed with genital warts during the study period, and 212 (58.6%) underwent genotyping. Thirty-two distinct HPV types were observed, the most common being HPV-6, HPV-11, HPV-16, and HPV-42. HPV DNA was detected in 93.9% of the samples analyzed, and there were 299 genotypes (mean, 1.5 per patient). Overall, 26.6% of patients had more than a single HPV genotype, while 24.1% had at least 1 high-risk type. No significant associations were found between the presence of high-risk HPV types and any of the study variables. At least 2 of the 4 HPV types targeted in the original vaccines were detected in 94.1% of lesions. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to 10 years ago, the prevalences of HPV types included in the first 2 prophylactic vaccines have decreased, while the proportion of patients with at least 1 of the 4 most common types has remained unchanged. We also observed a slight increase in infections with multiple HPV types or at least 1 high-risk type.

Sensibilización alérgica de contacto en pacientes con rosácea / Contact Allergy in Patients with Rosacea

Introducción y objetivo La rosácea es una dermatosis acneiforme crónica donde la disrupción de la barrera cutánea puede provocar una facilidad para la sensibilización a distintos alérgenos. Nuestro objetivo es analizar la sensibilización alérgica de contacto en los pacientes con rosácea de nuestro medio. Material y métodos Se realizó estudio de cohortes retrospectivo analizando todos los pacientes parchados en la consulta de Alergia Cutánea de nuestro servicio entre mayo de 1991 hasta mayo de 2019. Resultados Durante el tiempo de estudio han sido remitidos a nuestra consulta un total de 200 pacientes con rosácea, el 2,1% del total de pacientes parchados en este tiempo. El 81% de los pacientes eran mujeres, con una edad media de 44,7años. El 46,5% presentaron al menos un parche positivo, considerándose de relevancia presente (RP) en el 15%. Los parches positivos más frecuentes fueron níquel (26%), seguido de cloruro de cobalto (6,5%), isotiazolinonas (6%), PPDA (5,5%), mezclaII de perfumes (5%) y thiomersal (3,5%). Los parches positivos de RP más frecuentes fueron isotiazolinonas en 10/200 pacientes (5%), PPDA, mezclaII de fragancias, toluensulfonamida formaldehído resina en 4/200 pacientes cada uno (2%), tixocortol y mezclaI de fragancias en 2/200 cada uno (1%). El grupo de sustancias más frecuentemente detectadas fueron los metales, con una RP en el 12,6%, seguido de los fármacos con una RP en el 25,8%. Los conservantes y las fragancias fueron los siguientes grupos de sustancias más frecuentemente positivas, con una RP en el 70,8% y el 43,7%, respectivamente. La fuente de sensibilización más frecuente fueron los cosméticos, seguidos de los fármacos tópicos, destacando los corticoides y los antifúngicos tópicos. Conclusiones Destacamos una elevada prevalencia de dermatitis alérgica de contacto en pacientes con rosácea, lo que sustenta la realización de pruebas epicutáneas (AU)

Background and objective Rosacea is a chronic acneiform skin disorder in which impaired skin barrier function can lead to sensitization to allergens. We aimed to analyze contact allergies in our patients with rosacea. Material and methods Retrospective cohort study of all patients who underwent patch testing in our skin allergy clinic between May 1991 and May 2019. Results A total of 200 patients with rosacea were referred to our clinic for patch testing during the study period; they represented 2.1% of all patch tested patients in the period. Eighty-one percent were women (mean age, 44.7years). At least 1positive patch test was recorded for 46.5%; 15% were of current relevance. The most frequent positive reaction was to nickel (26%), followed by cobalt chloride (6.5%), isothiazolinones (6%), p-phenylenediamine (5.5%), fragrance mixII (5%), and thimerosal (3.5%). The most common currently relevant patch test reactions were to isothiazolinones in 10 of the 200 patients (5%); to phenylenediamine, fragrance mixII, and toluensulfonamide formaldehyde resin in 4 patients (2%) each; and to tixocortol and fragrance mixI in 2 patients (1%) each. The allergen groups most often implicated were metals (of current relevance in 12.6%) and drugs (of current relevance in 25.8%). Preservatives and fragrances were the next most common allergen groups, and 70.8% and 43.7% of the positive reactions in these groups, respectively, were of current relevance. Cosmetics were the most frequent source of sensitization, followed by topical medications — notably corticosteroids and antifungal agents. Conclusions We emphasize the high prevalence of allergic contact dermatitis in patients with rosacea, a finding which supports patch testing, especially if eruptions worsen when these patients use cosmetics and topical medications (AU)

[Translated article] Contact Allergy in Patients With Rosacea / Sensibilización alérgica de contacto en pacientes con rosácea

Background and objective Rosacea is a chronic acneiform skin disorder in which impaired skin barrier function can lead to sensitization to allergens. We aimed to analyze contact allergies in our patients with rosacea. Material and methods Retrospective cohort study of all patients who underwent patch testing in our skin allergy clinic between May 1991 and May 2019. Results A total of 200 patients with rosacea were referred to our clinic for patch testing during the study period; they represented 2.1% of all patch tested patients in the period. Eighty-one percent were women (mean age, 44.7years). At least 1positive patch test was recorded for 46.5%; 15% were of current relevance. The most frequent positive reaction was to nickel (26%), followed by cobalt chloride (6.5%), isothiazolinones (6%), p-phenylenediamine (5.5%), fragrance mixII (5%), and thimerosal (3.5%). The most common currently relevant patch test reactions were to isothiazolinones in 10 of the 200 patients (5%); to phenylenediamine, fragrance mixII, and toluensulfonamide formaldehyde resin in 4 patients (2%) each; and to tixocortol and fragrance mixI in 2 patients (1%) each. The allergen groups most often implicated were metals (of current relevance in 12.6%) and drugs (of current relevance in 25.8%). Preservatives and fragrances were the next most common allergen groups, and 70.8% and 43.7% of the positive reactions in these groups, respectively, were of current relevance. Cosmetics were the most frequent source of sensitization, followed by topical medications — notably corticosteroids and antifungal agents. Conclusions We emphasize the high prevalence of allergic contact dermatitis in patients with rosacea, a finding which supports patch testing, especially if eruptions worsen when these patients use cosmetics and topical medications (AU)

Introducción y objetivo La rosácea es una dermatosis acneiforme crónica donde la disrupción de la barrera cutánea puede provocar una facilidad para la sensibilización a distintos alérgenos. Nuestro objetivo es analizar la sensibilización alérgica de contacto en los pacientes con rosácea de nuestro medio. Material y métodos Se realizó estudio de cohortes retrospectivo analizando todos los pacientes parchados en la consulta de Alergia Cutánea de nuestro servicio entre mayo de 1991 hasta mayo de 2019. Resultados Durante el tiempo de estudio han sido remitidos a nuestra consulta un total de 200 pacientes con rosácea, el 2,1% del total de pacientes parchados en este tiempo. El 81% de los pacientes eran mujeres, con una edad media de 44,7años. El 46,5% presentaron al menos un parche positivo, considerándose de relevancia presente (RP) en el 15%. Los parches positivos más frecuentes fueron níquel (26%), seguido de cloruro de cobalto (6,5%), isotiazolinonas (6%), PPDA (5,5%), mezclaII de perfumes (5%) y thiomersal (3,5%). Los parches positivos de RP más frecuentes fueron isotiazolinonas en 10/200 pacientes (5%), PPDA, mezclaII de fragancias, toluensulfonamida formaldehído resina en 4/200 pacientes cada uno (2%), tixocortol y mezclaI de fragancias en 2/200 cada uno (1%). El grupo de sustancias más frecuentemente detectadas fueron los metales, con una RP en el 12,6%, seguido de los fármacos con una RP en el 25,8%. Los conservantes y las fragancias fueron los siguientes grupos de sustancias más frecuentemente positivas, con una RP en el 70,8% y el 43,7%, respectivamente. La fuente de sensibilización más frecuente fueron los cosméticos, seguidos de los fármacos tópicos, destacando los corticoides y los antifúngicos tópicos. Conclusiones Destacamos una elevada prevalencia de dermatitis alérgica de contacto en pacientes con rosácea, lo que sustenta la realización de pruebas epicutáneas (AU)

Contact Allergy in Patients with Rosacea. / Sensibilización alérgica de contacto en pacientes con rosácea.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Rosacea is a chronic acneiform skin disorder in which impaired skin barrier function can lead to sensitization to allergens. We aimed to analyze contact allergies in our patients with rosacea. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of all patients who underwent patch testing in our skin allergy clinic between May 1991 and May 2019. RESULTS: A total of 200 patients with rosacea were referred to our clinic for patch testing during the study period; they represented 2.1% of all patch tested patients in the period. Eighty-one percent were women (mean age, 44.7years). At least 1positive patch test was recorded for 46.5%; 15% were of current relevance. The most frequent positive reaction was to nickel (26%), followed by cobalt chloride (6.5%), isothiazolinones (6%), p-phenylenediamine (5.5%), fragrance mixII (5%), and thimerosal (3.5%). The most common currently relevant patch test reactions were to isothiazolinones in 10 of the 200 patients (5%); to phenylenediamine, fragrance mixII, and toluensulfonamide formaldehyde resin in 4 patients (2%) each; and to tixocortol and fragrance mixI in 2 patients (1%) each. The allergen groups most often implicated were metals (of current relevance in 12.6%) and drugs (of current relevance in 25.8%). Preservatives and fragrances were the next most common allergen groups, and 70.8% and 43.7% of the positive reactions in these groups, respectively, were of current relevance. Cosmetics were the most frequent source of sensitization, followed by topical medications - notably corticosteroids and antifungal agents. CONCLUSIONS: We emphasize the high prevalence of allergic contact dermatitis in patients with rosacea, a finding which supports patch testing, especially if eruptions worsen when these patients use cosmetics and topical medications.