Patch test frequency to p-phenylenediamine: follow up over the last 6 years.

While the frequency of patch test reactivity to many cosmetic allergens has decreased over the last 20 years, we have previously shown that in our clinic, the patch test reactivity to p-phenylenediamine (PPD) has remained stubbornly high between 2.5% and 4.2% in the years when patch testing was performed with 1% PPD.

The impact of exposure variables on the induction of skin sensitization.

Whereas many investigations of the variables associated with the elicitation of allergic contact dermatitis have been undertaken, to the point where we can begin to predict the likelihood of elicitation occurring in a given situation, the same is not true for the induction of skin sensitization. Studies have demonstrated that increasing dose has an impact; in an experimental setting, a number of variables received attention some decades ago. However, in the work reported here, the relative importance of the frequency and the duration of exposure is highlighted.

Predictive identification of human skin sensitization thresholds.

For years, methods have been available for the predictive identification of chemicals that possess the intrinsic potential to cause skin sensitization. However, many have proven less suitable for the determination of relative sensitizing potency. In this respect, the local lymph node assay (LLNA) has been shown to have a number of important advantages.