Gender differences in allergic contact dermatitis to common allergens
8
Issued Date
2023-01-01
Resource Type
ISSN
01051873
eISSN
16000536
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85179958080
Journal Title
Contact Dermatitis
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Contact Dermatitis (2023)
Suggested Citation
Boonchai W., Likittanasombat S., Viriyaskultorn N., Kanokrungsee S. Gender differences in allergic contact dermatitis to common allergens. Contact Dermatitis (2023). doi:10.1111/cod.14479 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/95891
Title
Gender differences in allergic contact dermatitis to common allergens
Author's Affiliation
Corresponding Author(s)
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
Background: Gender-based differences in skin structure, physiology, and allergen exposure can influence contact dermatitis development. Objective: This study investigated the differences and trends in contact sensitizers, focusing on the top 10 allergens and personal care product (PCP) contact allergies from a gender perspective. Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of 5998 patients undergoing patch testing at an occupational and contact dermatitis clinic in a Thai, university-based, tertiary referral hospital from January 2001 to December 2021. Patients' characteristics and patch test results were collected. Results: Females had a higher positive patch test rate than males (71.8% vs. 65%, p < 0.001). However, males showed a greater prevalence of occupationally related allergic contact dermatitis (15.9%). Multivariate analysis revealed associations between being female and allergies to colophonium (aOR 1.46, 95% CI 1.07–1.99, p = 0.019), formaldehyde (aOR 1.97, 95% CI 1.17–13.31, p = 0.010), fragrance mix I (aOR 1.66, 95% CI 1.34–2.07, p < 0.001), MCI/MI (aOR 2.55, 95% CI 1.90–3.44, p < 0.001), neomycin (aOR 4.15, 95% CI 2.54–6.80, p < 0.001), and nickel (aOR 2.62, 95% CI 2.17–3.15, p < 0.001). Conversely, being male correlated with allergies to carba mix (aOR 0.51, 95% CI 0.41–0.64, p < 0.001), epoxy resin (aOR 0.26, 95% CI 0.14–0.47, p < 0.001), n-isopropyl-n-phenyl-4-phenylenediamine (aOR 0.41, 95% CI 0.20–0.83, p = 0.014), paraben mix (aOR 0.42, 95% CI 0.32–0.56, p < 0.001), and potassium dichromate (aOR 0.70, 95% CI 0.58–0.84, p < 0.001). Positive reactions to PCPs stood at 13% overall (males 17.1%, females 12.2%, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Gender plays a pivotal role in contact dermatitis. This work emphasises the importance of considering gender-specific factors when diagnosing and managing contact allergies.