Occupational allergic contact dermatitis in a 2-year follow-up study: how well does the patient remember the result of patch testing?

BACKGROUND: Patch testing is mandatory for diagnosing contact dermatitis. It is, however, crucial that patients understand and remember the result of the test.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of our study was to evaluate the impact of patch testing with respect to patients' ability to remember patch test results and the results of natural rubber latex protein allergy after 2 years.

METHODS: One hundred and ninety-nine patients diagnosed with relevant occupational epoxy or rubber chemical contact allergy, or allergy to natural rubber latex protein, were invited to participate in a questionnaire study about their knowledge of contact allergies after 2 years.

RESULTS: The response rate was 75%. Of the respondents, 13% did not remember their occupational contact allergy to rubber chemicals or epoxy. Ability to remember was not significantly influenced by sex or Dermatology Life Quality Index, but was decreased by age >60 years (p < 0.01). Of patients with an additional contact allergy, <36% remembered this correctly. Of patients allergic to natural rubber latex proteins, 50% remembered this correctly.

CONCLUSIONS: The impact of patch testing depends on the patients' ability to understand and remember the results of the test. Attention should be drawn to the importance of this, and patients with increased need for information should be identified.