Frequency of positive patch test reactions to preservatives: The Australian experience

Abstract

Background/Objectives Preservatives are important causes of allergic contact dermatitis. The frequency of allergy to preservatives in Australia has been unknown to date. Our objectives are to report the frequency of positive preservative patch test reactions in Australia, comparing them to the published international data, as well as exploring the current regulations in place for preservative use in Australia. Methods This was the first retrospective study of patch testing results, aggregated from four patch test clinics in three centres in Melbourne and Sydney. Results In all, 6845 patients were patch-tested during 1993-2006 and in this period the five most frequent preservative allergens w..