Delayed patch test reactions at days 7 and 9

Contact Dermatitis. 1989 Feb;20(2):127-32. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0536.1989.tb03121.x.

Abstract

403 consecutive patients were examined on days 2, 4, 7, and 9 following application of patch tests. Late positive reactions, i.e., those which manifested after day 4, were seen in 29 patients (7.2%). The allergens which most commonly produced late positive reactions were neomycin (7), potassium dichromate (4), and cobalt (3). Paired patch test readings on days 4 and 7 were more reliable than those on days 2 and 4. If only 1 patch test reading were performed, a single reading on day 4 would have been most useful. The reading on day 9 proved to be of limited value. Of 11 patients who were retested after an interval of more than 6 months, 7 showed earlier eliciting reactions, which may have been due to active sensitization.

MeSH terms

  • Dermatitis, Contact / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Patch Tests
  • Time Factors