Effect of Patch Testing on the Course of Allergic Contact Dermatitis and Prognostic Factors That Influence Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) has been shown to adversely affect the quality of life of patients. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to study the effect of patch test on the severity of dermatitis, the quality of life of patients, and the prognostic factors influencing the outcome. METHODS: The study included 111 patients patch tested with the preliminary diagnosis of ACD. Patients with clinically relevant positive patch test reactions were included in the ACD group. All patients were assessed with the Investigator Global Assessment and the Dermatology Quality of Life Index before and 6 months after patch testing. RESULTS: At the sixth-month control, more significant regressions in the mean Investigator Global Assessment and Dermatology Quality of Life Index scores were noted in the ACD group. The allergens were correctly remembered by 75% of the patients. The improvement was more significant in patients with ACD who correctly remembered the allergens and made appropriate lifestyle changes. Multiple allergen positivity was identified as a poor prognostic factor. CONCLUSIONS: The effect of patch test on the prognosis of contact dermatitis depends not only on providing necessary information to patients but also on the number of positive reactions, patient's ability to recall the allergens, how much the avoidance was achieved, and patient-related factors such as sex.