Associated factors of multiple contact allergies in Thai dermatitis patients: A 10‐year retrospective study

Background

Multiple contact allergies (MCA) are evidenced by 3 or more positive patch test reactions to unrelated antigens. Factors associated with MCA include female gender, older age, and certain eczema sites.

Objectives

To investigate the prevalence of MCA, risk factors for their development, and patterns of allergen combinations.

Methods

This retrospective, case‐control study was conducted on patients suspected of having allergic contact dermatitis who had been patch tested with a baseline series during January 2007 through December 2016.

Results

Of the 2 178 included patients, 531 (24.4%) had MCA. A multivariate analysis found that a generalized distribution of dermatitis represented the highest risk factor (OR 3.97), followed by a history of metal allergy (OR 3.18). The other significantly associated factors were, in order of decreasing frequency, the dermatitis sites (hands/feet, extremities, and face); age ≥ 25 years; and occupationally related dermatitis; their ORs were < 3.

Conclusions

The significantly associated factors of MCA were identified. The ranking of the common contact allergens among the MCA patients was comparable with that of the non‐MCA patients. Metal and fragrance allergens were frequently found to cause concurrent positive reactions in the MCA patients.

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