Epidemiology of Contact Allergy

Abstract

Contact dermatitis is not a rare disease, it represents 2%–6% of all skin diseases. Localization, sex, age, and occupation may vary greatly according to the source population studied. A prospective study in Heidelberg, West Germany, in which 1155 patients were examined during a 2 year period (1986–1988) provided these results: (1) women outnumber men by 2:1; (2) the hands and face are primarily affected in young women, in older patients the legs are another important localization; (3) occupational contact dermatitis was found in 10% of patients; (4) high risk professions were hairdressers, nurses, metalworkers, cleaning personnel, and housewives; (5) major allergens were nickel, fragrance mix, balsam of Peru, octhilinone neomycin, formaldehyde, potassium dichromate, and various medications (heparin ointments, bufexamac).

Exact data on the prevalence and incidence of contact dermatitis are still rare. Observational studies have to improve in quality with regard to definition of source population, proof of diagnosis, and exposure period to allergens and irritants. Data on the prevalence of contact dermatitis in the general and working populations are still poorly documented.