Contact Dermatitis of the Face

The authors report the patch test results in 377 patients affected by contact dermatitis of the face. In 163 cases, the cause of dermatitis was definitively determined. In our series, positive patch test reactions to preservatives were as frequent as positive patch test reactions to fragrances. Kathon CG was the preservative responsible for the majority of positive reactions, while among the fragrances, balsam of Peru, iso-eugenol, and oak moss were the most common causes of positive reactions. Hair dyes, colophony, topical drugs, and colorants were less frequently responsible for the clinical manifestations. Occupational airborne dermatitis was diagnosed in four patients: two were sensitized to epoxy resin, and two to primin. We point out that the large number of positive patch test reactions to Kathon CG in our country is presumably related to the high concentration of this preservative in cosmetics here, as permitted by EEC regulations.