Allergic patch test reactions associated with cosmetics: Retrospective analysis of cross-sectional data from the North American Contact Dermatitis Group, 2001-2004

Erin M. Warshaw, Heather J. Buchholz, Donald V. Belsito, Howard I. Maibach, Joseph F. Fowler, Robert L. Rietschel, Kathryn A. Zug, C. G.Toby Mathias, Melanie D. Pratt, Denis Sasseville, Frances J. Storrs, James S. Taylor, Vincent A. DeLeo, James G. Marks

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

83 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Allergy to cosmetics is common. Objectives: We sought to characterize patients with positive patch test reactions associated with a cosmetic source, to identify common allergens; and to explore gender and occupational associations. Methods: We performed a retrospective, cross-sectional analysis. Results: Of 6621 female and 3440 male patients, 1582 female (23.8%) and 611 of male (17.8%) patients had at least one allergic patch test reaction associated with a cosmetic source. Of "allergic" patients (>1 allergic reaction, n = 6815), females were 1.21 times more likely to have an allergic reaction associated with a cosmetic source than were male patients (p < .0001, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.12-1.31). Within the "cosmetic allergic" group (n = 2243), head and neck involvement was significantly higher in female than in male patients (49.3% vs 23.7%, p < .0001). One hundred twenty-five patients had occupationally related allergic reactions associated with a cosmetic. Limitations: This study is limited by its cross-sectional, retrospective design. Conclusion: Of all patients studied, 21.8% had an allergic reaction associated with a cosmetic. Site of dermatitis, cosmetic categories, and specific allergens differed somewhat by gender.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)23-38
Number of pages16
JournalJournal of the American Academy of Dermatology
Volume60
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2009

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Dermatology

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