Work

Patch Testing in Chronic Hand Eczema: A Multicentre Study in Portugal

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Chronic hand eczema (CHE) is a common dermatitis with morphological and aetiological heterogeneity. Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is a major aetiology, and patch testing (PT) is essential to characterize CHE and guide its treatment and prevention. OBJECTIVES: Determine the prevalence of ACD in CHE patients, describe relevant allergens, and identify differences in atopic and occupational settings. METHODS: We conducted a multicentric retrospective observational study, based on PT results of CHE patients evaluated between 2021 and 2023, in Portuguese dermatology departments, comparing atopic dermatitis and non-atopic and occupational and non-occupational groups. RESULTS: Among 1267 patients (391 males/876 females) with CHE, representing 43% of all patients tested, 57% had at least one positive PT reaction, 41% of which were currently relevant. The most common allergens included metals, preservatives, fragrances, rubber constituents and 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate. The occupational group revealed higher relevance rates for metals and benzisothiazolinone, whereas in the atopic dermatitis group, methylisothiazolinone and Myroxylon pereirae were considered more frequently relevant. CONCLUSIONS: CHE patients present a high sensitization rate and ACD is a main aetiology. Methylisothiazolinone and 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate are confirmed as emergent allergens. The higher relevance rate of metals and benzisothiazolinone in the occupational group reinforces the importance of PT in the occupational setting.

Source: Contact Dermatitis

DOI: 10.1111/cod.70186