Patch test results with fragrance markers of the baseline series - analysis of the European Surveillance System on Contact Allergies (ESSCA) network 2009-2012.

Background: Contact allergy to fragrances is common, and impairs quality of life, particularly in young women.

Objective: To provide current results on the prevalences of sensitization to fragrance allergens used as markers in the baseline series of most European countries.

Methods: Data of patients consecutively patch tested between 2009 and 2012 in 12 European countries with fragrance allergens contained in the baseline series were collected by the European Surveillance System on Contact Allergies network and descriptively analysed.

Patch testing with hair cosmetic series in Europe: a critical review and recommendation.

Many key ingredients of hair cosmetics (in particular, dyes, bleaches, and hair-styling agents) are potent (strong to extreme) contact allergens. Some heterogeneity is apparent from published results concerning the range of allergens for which patch testing is important. The objective of the present review was to collect information on the current practice of using 'hair cosmetic series', and discuss this against the background of evidence concerning consumer/professional exposure and regulatory aspects to finally derive a recommendation for a 'European hair cosmetic series'.

Characteristics of patients patch tested in the European Surveillance System on Contact Allergies (ESSCA) network, 2009-2012.

Background: Patch test results often vary between departments, and also between countries. Such variation may be partly attributable to systematic effects introduced by patient characteristics, differing exposures, patient selection, or methodological differences.

Objective: To examine the amount of variation of patient characteristics in terms of the MOAHLFA index and of the proportion of patients with at least one positive reaction to the (European) baseline series ('P' measure), and to examine potential reasons for the variation.

The 'overall yield' with the baseline series - a useful addition to the array of MOAHLFA factors describing departmental characteristics of patch tested patients.

Background: The proportion of patients with a positive patch test reaction to at least one allergen from the baseline series differs between departments.

Objectives: To further define the above mentioned proportion, termed the 'P' measure, to examine factors associated with this measure, to describe its variation over time and between centres, and to discuss possible uses.

Patients And Methods: Eighteen departments have been 'long-term' participants in the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology (IVDK; www.

Patch testing with hydroxyethyl-p-phenylenediamine sulfate - cross-reactivity with p-phenylenediamine.

Background: Adverse reactions to permanent hair dyes are frequent, and primarily result from sensitization to p-phenylenediamine (PPD).

Objectives: To investigate the degree of cross-reactivity to a chemically similar dye, hydroxyethyl-p-phenylenediamine sulfate (HPPS), and whether this might be a dyeing alternative for patients who are sensitive to PPD.

Method: HPPS was patch tested in two concentrations in a total of 216 patients suspected of having contact dermatitis caused by hair dyes and/or hair cosmetics.

Contact allergy to essential oils: current patch test results (2000-2008) from the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology (IVDK).

Background: Essential oils are used in perfumery and in products for aromatherapy or balneotherapy. Previous studies have shown some to be important contact sensitizers. A practical diagnostic approach, based on the results of a large, central European network and other evidence, is needed.

Patch testing with fragrance mix II: results of the IVDK 2005-2008.

Background: The fragrance mix (FM I), established in 1977, detects the majority, but not all cases of contact allergy to fragrances. Based on European research 2002/2003, fragrance mix II (FM II) was developed to supplement FM I. In 2005, the German Contact Dermatitis Research Group (DKG) added FM II to their baseline series.

Contact allergy to fragrances: current patch test results (2005-2008) from the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology.

Background: Contact sensitization to fragrances is common both in clinical and in population samples. The spectrum of allergens is broad and diverse, and to some extent covered by a set of screening agents.

Objectives: To examine the current frequency of contact sensitization to fragrance allergens in patients routinely patch tested for suspected allergic contact dermatitis with the baseline series and special series.

Contact sensitisation in hand eczema patients-relation to subdiagnosis, severity and quality of life: a multi-centre study.

Background: Contact sensitisation has been identified as a factor associated with poor prognosis for patients with hand eczema.

Objectives: To study implications of contact sensitisation with respect to severity, quality of life (QoL) and subdiagnosis of hand eczema.

Methods: The study was performed as a multi-centre, cross-sectional study from 10 European clinics.

Quantitative patch and repeated open application testing in hydroxyisohexyl 3-cyclohexene carboxaldehyde sensitive-patients.

Objective: To identify the concentration of the fragrance compound hydroxyisohexyl 3-cyclohexene carboxaldehyde (INCI) (HICC) that is sufficiently low not to cause an allergic reaction in patients with proven sensitization.

Methods: Repeated open application testing (ROAT) in 64 subjects with 2 preparations (perfume and cream) in different concentration (0.005-2.

The European baseline series in 10 European Countries, 2005/2006--results of the European Surveillance System on Contact Allergies (ESSCA).

Background: Continual surveillance based on patch test results has proved useful for the identification of contact allergy.

Objectives: To provide a current view on the spectrum of contact allergy to important sensitizers across Europe.

Patients/methods: Clinical and patch test data of 19 793 patients patch tested in 2005/2006 in the 31 participating departments from 10 European countries (the European Surveillance System on Contact Allergies' (ESSCA) www.

Chromated metal products may be hazardous to patients with chromate allergy.

Background: Hidden allergen exposure may contribute to persistence and relapse of chromate dermatitis. According to case reports, chromated metal products, such as screws, fittings, etc., may be relevant allergen sources for patients sensitized to chromate.

Annular lichenoid dermatitis of youth--a further case in a 12-year-old girl.

Annular lichenoid dermatitis of youth was first described by Annessi et al. in 2003. Clinical criteria are persistent erythematous macules and annular lesions with a red-brown edge and a central hypopigmentation usually found on the flanks and groins of children and adolescents.

Hand eczema severity and quality of life: a cross-sectional, multicentre study of hand eczema patients.

Background And Objectives: Hand eczema is a chronic disease with negative impact on quality of life (QoL). In this study, QoL in hand eczema patients is assessed and related to age, sex, severity, and diagnostic subgroups.

Methods: A total of 416 patients with hand eczema from 10 European patch test clinics participated in the study.

Successful treatment of primary chronic osteomyelitis in SAPHO syndrome with bisphosphonates.

The treatment of the painful osteomyelitis in patients with SAPHO syndrome (Synovitis, Acne, Pustulosis, Hyperostosis, Osteitis) is often a problem. A 53-year-old woman had experienced palmo-plantar pustular skin lesions for four years, and in the past two years complained about progressive breath-and movement-dependent pain of the sternum. On examination she had extensive palmoplantar pustules and a painful swelling in the area of the right sternoclavicular joint.

Late onset of a facial variant of steatocystoma multiplex - calretinin as a specific marker of the follicular companion cell layer.

Steatocystoma multiplex is a rare,almost exclusively autosomal dominant disease of the sebaceous glands. The sites of predilection are the sternal region, upper back, axillae and proximal parts of the extremities. A 78-year-old woman developed multiple yellowish nodules only on the face over a few months.