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.
['Brok|Line|L|', 'Clemmensen|Kim K B|KK|', 'Carøe|Tanja K|TK|', 'Ebbehøj|Niels E|NE|', 'Agner|Tove|T|']
D000328:Adult D000368:Aged D000485:Allergens D015331:Cohort Studies D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact D009783:Dermatitis, Occupational D005260:Female D005500:Follow-Up Studies D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice D006801:Humans D020315:Latex Hypersensitivity D008297:Male D011939:Mental Recall D008875:Middle Aged D010328:Patch Tests D055815:Young Adult
patch test contact allergy information patient knowledge