Impact of weather conditions on the results of patch tests in the Tunisian central region

Authors

  • Aïcha Brahem Department of Occupational Medicine, Farhat Hached University Hospital – 4002 Sousse
  • Souhaiel Chatti Department of Occupational Medicine, Farhat Hached University Hospital – 4002 Sousse
  • Olfa El Maalel Department of Occupational Medicine, Farhat Hached University Hospital – 4002 Sousse
  • Wided Boughattas Department of Occupational Medicine, Farhat Hached University Hospital – 4002 Sousse
  • Faten Debbabi Department of Occupational Medicine, Farhat Hached University Hospital – 4002 Sousse
  • Néjib Mrizak Department of Occupational Medicine, Farhat Hached University Hospital – 4002 Sousse

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/issn.2455-4529.IntJResDermatol20173916

Keywords:

Dermatitis, Allergic contact, Patch tests, Weather, Allergens

Abstract

Background: Several factors can influence the results of patch-tests (PT) such as individual and external factors especially climate ones. The aim of the study was to study the impact of meteorological parameters on patch-tests results.

Methods: This is a retrospective epidemiological study which concerned all patients of the Tunisian center, who consulted in the Dermato-Allergology Unit of Occupational Medicine Department of Farhat Hached University Hospital-Sousse (Tunisia) over a period of 5 years. All patients were tested by the European Standard Battery allergens (BSE). The eight allergens, most frequently encountered during the study period, were analyzed.

Correlation and regression tests were used to calculate the relation of the patch-tests results with temperature and absolute humidity.

Results: During the study period, 5560 patch-tests were analyzed. The results of these patch- tests for most allergens were not significantly influenced by external weather conditions. However, the irritant reactions for cobalt and colophony increased with the cold and dry climate. Some positive reactions to thiuram mix, cobalt and nickel were more frequent with humidity.

Conclusions: The results of this current study support those of the literature. The majority of reactions to patch- tests didn’t seem to be influenced by weather conditions.

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Published

2017-08-24

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Original Research Articles