Patch Testing In Cosmetic Dermatoses: A Report From South India

Abstract

Thirty five patients with cosmetic dermatoses were patch tested in this study. Out of 35 patients, 23 were female and 12 were male, with a female to male ratio of 1.9:1. Mean age of patients was 42 years. Kumkum was the incriminated cosmetic in 24 patients, sticker bindi in 5 patients, kumkum and sticker bindi both in 1 patient, hair dye in 3 patients, Fair & Lovely and aftershave lotion in 1 patient each. Out of 2380 patches applied, positive reactions were seen in 57 patches. Twenty eight out of 35 patients had positive (allergic) patch test reaction. Thimerosal showed positive reaction in 27 patients (27/35), gallate mix in 15 patients (15/35), paraphenylenediamine in five patients (5/35), nickel sulphate in two patients, and parabens, Kathon CG, benzotriazol, tertiary-butyl hydroquinone, quaternium-15, balsam of Peru, potassium dichromate and cobalt chloride in one patient each.