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Contact Allergens in Persons With Leg Ulcers: A Canadian Study in Contact Sensitization

University College, Cork, Ireland

Afsaneh Alavi, MD

University of Toronto, afsaneh.alavi{at}yahoo.com

Pat Coutts, RN

Mississauga Wound Care Clinic, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Marjorie Fierheller, RN, MSc

Mississauga Wound Care Clinic, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Sunita Coelho

Wound Care Clinic, The New Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

D. Linn Holness, MSc, MD, FRCPC

University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Gage Occupational & Environmental Health Unit, St Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

R. Gary Sibbald, MD, FRCPC

University of Toronto, Wound Care Clinic, The New Women's College Hospital

Individuals with chronic leg ulcers often develop contact allergic reactions to topical preparations used to treat their wounds and the surrounding skin. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of positive patch test responses to common allergens in patients with leg ulcers or venous disease. A case series of 100 consecutive, consenting patients with chronic venous disease and other causes of leg ulcers that were available for patch testing were enrolled. The patients were tested with 38 common allergens, including those most relevant to leg ulcers. A total of 46% of the patients had at least 1 positive patch test response. Multiple reactions in the same patient were common. The most frequent groups of sensitizers were fragrances, lanolin, antibacterial agents, and rubber-related allergens. Though the prevalence of positive patch test reactions is high in this population, it is lower than commonly reported. This may be the result of clinical practice that considered the avoidance of common sensitizers in the management of patients with leg ulcers.

Key Words: leg • ulcers • contact • sensitization • dermatitis • allergic contact dermatitis

The International Journal of Lower Extremity Wounds, Vol. 7, No. 3, 120-125 (2008)
DOI: 10.1177/1534734608322608


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