The relationship between atopy and allergic contact dermatitis in Israeli patients.

Introduction: Whether individuals with atopic diseases have a different risk of contact allergy compared to those who are non-atopic is controversial and data are conflicting. Aim: To explore the association between atopy and allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). Material and methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study included 301 patients referred to a tertiary clinic to evaluate ACD. Demographic details including personal and familial mucosal or cutaneous atopic status were recorded. Patch tests were tailored to their clinical presentations and relevant exposures. Results: At least 1 positive patch test reaction was observed in 177 patients (59% of the study cohort), of which 52% had a history of atopic diseases, compared with 44% of patients with a negative patch test result ( Conclusions: We identified a positive tendency for atopic diseases among individuals with ACD and vice versa. Our study supports the aggregate data from previous studies despite the non-significant differences between the study and control groups. However, further research performed in larger populations of patients is necessary to evaluate the real association between atopy and ACD on a solid basis. Our results indicate the necessity of systematic patch testing in patient setups with atopic background and chronic dermatitis.