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Additional Test Allergens Enhance Diagnosis Of Allergic Skin Reactions SCHAUMBURG, IL -- May 22, 1998 -- Research by a noted dermatology group has revealed the addition of more substances to standardised patch tests for contact dermatitis, enhances the diagnosis of allergic skin reactions. Results of the study on contact dermatitis are reported in the June 1998 issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. Contact dermatitis, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, is an altered skin reaction caused by exposure to an external agent, resulting in direct tissue damage. It accounts for nearly six million physician visits annually. The study, conducted by the North American Contact Dermatitis Group (NACDG) at Pennsylvania State University's College of Medicine, Hershey, PA., tested more than 3,100 patients over a two-year period, beginning in 1994. "The additional 30 allergens on NACDG's screening series accounted for 47 percent of patients with positive allergic reactions", according to James Marks, Jr., lead author of the study. "Had the standardised allergen patch test kit been used alone, 12.4 percent of all patients tested may have had their disease misclassified as a non-allergic disorder and an additional 34.4 percent of all tested would not have had their allergies fully defined." Appropriate patient history, skin examinations and patch testing can lead to significant benefits in the diagnosis and management of care for individuals with eczema eruptions, the most common form of contact dermatitis or skin reaction to allergens, related the study. According to the study, the 20 screening substances available in the standard Allergen Patch Test Kit to dermatologists in the United States, accounted for 54 percent of the subjects with positive allergic reactions. "This emphasises the need for patch testing all patients with supplemental allergens in addition to the standard patch tests and reinforces the need for a more comprehensive group of diagnostic allergens," Dr. Marks explained. E-mail this page to a friend or colleague! To print, use this version