An alternative method for diagnosis of allergic contact dermatitis

Standard patch test, used as a supportive method for diagnosis of patients with allergic contact dermatitis, is a reliable and widely-acclaimed test method which enables us to determine contact hypersensitivity. However this test presents with certain negative aspects such as; requiring patient to carry the test unit on his/her back,for 48 hours, limiting of the bodily activities, and high costs. In the present study, iontophoresis test has been tried as an alternative for patch test. Patch test was applied to patients with eczematous lesions presented to dermatological polyclinic and iontophoresis test was applied to 50 patients with positive test results. 50 patients with negative patch test results were included in the study as control group. A galvanic current of 500 microamper was applied for 5 minutes in order to make the allergen agent permeate transdermally. No statistically significant difference has been detected between the results of the two groups. Owing to its properties such as high success rate, practicality, simplicity, and cost-effective process, iontophoresis test was believed to be a suitable modality for allergic contact dermatitis as an alternative diagnostical method.