Eyelid dermatitis and patch test results

Allergic contact dermatitis is the most frequent cause of eyelid dermatitis; but it is often misdiagnosed. This study aims to evaluate the characteristics of patients with eyelid dermatitis who referred for patch test.

This was a retrospective study. Three major subgroups were made: patients with only eyelid involvement, involvement of eyelids and other areas, and without eyelid involvement. Collected data included past history, diagnoses, personal care product & make-up use, occupational dermatitis, and positive allergens. Chi-squared, independent t-test, and one-way ANOVA were used for analysis. 

139 patients with eyelid dermatitis who referred for patch test were included in the study. Allergic contact dermatitis was the most common diagnosis in all three groups referred for patch test. Use of shaving cream and hair conditioner was significantly higher in patients with only eyelid involvement and nickel sulphate was the most common allergen among them.

Patch testing is an important tool in the evaluation of the common dermatologic disease of eyelid contact dermatitis, as the gold standard. It is a necessity in the treatment of eyelid dermatitis, because of accurate identification of responsible allergens.