European Surveillance System on Contact Allergies (ESSCA): results with the European baseline series, 2013/14

BACKGROUND: Contact allergy is a common condition and can severely interfere with daily life or professional activities. Due to changes in exposures, a consequence of introduction of new substances, new products or formulations, and regulatory intervention, the spectrum of contact sensitisation changes. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the current spectrum of contact allergy to allergens present in the European baseline series (EBS) across Europe. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of data collected by the European Surveillance System on Contact Allergies (ESSCA, www.essca-dc.org) in consecutively patch tested patients, 2013/14, in 46 departments in 12 European countries. RESULTS: Altogether, 31689 patients were included in the analysis. Compared to a similar analysis in 2004, the prevalence of contact allergy to methylisothiazolinone went up to around 20% in several departments. In comparison, contact allergy to the metals nickel, cobalt and chromium remained largely stable, at 18.1, 5.9 and 3.2%, respectively, similar to mostly unchanged prevalences with fragrance mix I, II and Myroxylon pereirae (Balsam of Peru) at 7.3, 3.8 and 5.3%, respectively. In the subgroup of departments diagnosing (mainly) patients with occupational contact dermatitis, the prevalence of work-related contact allergies such as to epoxy resin or rubber additives was increased, compared to general dermatology departments. CONCLUSION: Continuous surveillance of contact allergy based on network data offers the identification of time trends or persisting problems, and thus enables focussing in-depth research (subgroup analyses, exposure analysis) on areas where it is needed. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.