North American Contact Dermatitis Group patch-test results, 2001-2002 study period.

Background: Allergic contact dermatitis is a significant cause of cutaneous disease affecting many individuals in the home and at the workplace. Patch testing is the most worthwhile diagnostic tool for the evaluation of patients with suspected allergic contact dermatitis.

Objective: This study reports the results of patch testing from January 1, 2001, to December 31, 2002, by the North American Contact Dermatitis Group (NACDG).

Allergy to cocamidopropyl betaine and amidoamine in North America.

Background: The prevalence of allergy to cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB) in North America has not been previously reported.

Objective: The aim of this study was to report on the most recent data on allergy to CAPB and a related allergen, amidoamine (AA).

Methods: Data was collected by the North American Contact Dermatitis Group from consecutive patients presenting for patch testing for diagnosis of presumed allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) from January 1, 2001, through December 31, 2001.

North American Contact Dermatitis Group patch-test results, 1998 to 2000.

Background: Patch testing is the most worthwhile diagnostic tool for the evaluation of patients with suspected allergic contact dermatitis.

Objective: This study reports patch-testing results from July 1, 1998, to December 31, 2000, by the North American Contact Dermatitis Group.

Methods: Patients were tested with the same screening series of allergens, using a standardized patch-testing technique.

Relationship of occupation to contact dermatitis: evaluation in patients tested from 1998 to 2000.

Background: Both irritant and allergic contact dermatitis can be influenced by occupational and nonoccupational environmental exposures.

Objective: The aim of this study is to compare the occupations and allergens of occupational contact dermatitis cases with nonoccupational contact dermatitis cases.

Methods: Diagnostic patch testing was conducted with the 50 screening allergens of the North American Contact Dermatitis Group and occupational coding by the Surveillance Branch of the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health.

The effect of race and ethnicity on patch test results.

Background: Allergic contact dermatitis is a condition that may be affected by differences in genetic and environmental factors. Race and ethnicity are possible examples of the former.

Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the differences in patch test results between white and black individuals tested by the members of the North American Contact Dermatitis Group from July 1, 1992, to June 30, 1998.