Abstract

Introduction: Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is a growing concern due to increased use of cosmetics and topical medications routinely and exposure to a large number of allergens on day-to-day basis. Patch testing is a reliable method for detecting the causative antigens in suspected cases. Aims and Objectives: To assess the pattern of ACD, and patch test profile of suspected cases of ACD attending of our department. Materials and Methods: It was a cross sectional study in which all the data enrolled in the clinically suspected contact dermatitis patients of our department from January 2021 to August 2021 period were analysed. Patch testing was done using the Indian Standard Series of 20 antigens primarily, and other batteries were used depending on patient requirement and availability. Results: A total of 66 patients were enrolled in the contact dermatitis clinic from January 2021 to August 2021. Hand eczema was the most common pattern seen in 10 cases followed by hand & foot eczema, feet eczema, wrist eczema, Hand & Neck etc. A total of 38 patients (57.6%) gave positive patch test results, with nickel sulfate being the most common allergen identified followed by potassium dichromate, cobalt sulfate, paraphenylenediamine, neomycin sulfate, and fragrance mix. Conclusion: Common allergens identified in our study were more or less similar to studies from other parts of India. However, due to the unique climate of the valley, the profile of parthenium sensitivity was low in our study when compared to the rest of the country.