Abstract
Nickel sulphate and fragrance mix were by far the most common allergens found in 3,300 eczema patients patch tested between 1982 and 1989 at the Skin and Cancer Foundation (Sydney, Australia). The numbers of positive patch tests in the standard series are listed in order of frequency and expressed as a percentage of the 3,300 cases seen. Five cases are reported in which fragrance or nickel was found to be the previously unsuspected cause of a severe contact dermatitis. In each case, the allergen acted in an unusual way. Three of the five cases were occupational. All five cases cleared completely following identification and avoidance of the allergen.
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