CONTACT DERMATITIS, cilt.84, sa.1, ss.15-23, 2021 (SCI-Expanded)
Background Prevalence of sensitivity to contact allergens change over time as a result of variations in allergen exposure. Objectives The aim of the study was to describe trends in rates of sensitisation to allergens of the European baseline series in Turkey between 2013 and 2019. Methods The patch test results of 1309 patients with suspected allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) were analysed retrospectively, and the prevalence of contact allergies to European baseline series allergens was compared with previous data (for 1998-2005). Results A total of 534 (40.8%) patients exhibited one or more positive patch test reaction. The five most frequent allergens were nickel sulfate (19.6%), potassium dichromate (6.5%), cobalt chloride (6%),Myroxylon pereiraeresin (5%), andp-phenylenediamine (PPD; 3.7%). Statistically significant increases in the prevalence of sensitisation to methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone (MCI/MI;P < .001),Myroxylon pereiraeresin (P < .001), PPD (P= .008), and fragrance mix I (P= .036) were observed in the 2013 to 2019 period compared with the 1998 to 2005 period. Conversely, positive reactions to neomycin sulfate (P= .029), clioquinol (P= .031), and primin (P= .001) decreased significantly. Conclusion This study provides a comprehensive profile of ACD in Turkey. The remarkable increase in the MI and MCI/MI contact allergy observed underlines the urgent need for regulatory measures to reduce exposure to MI and MCI/MI in Turkey.