The profile of patch test reactions to common contact allergens is related to sex.

BACKGROUND

Women are more often patch tested than men, and the reactivity to patch test allergens is dependent on sex. However, it is unclear whether the profiles of test reactions are also sex-related.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the profiles of patch test reactions of men and women.

METHODS

Sex-related reaction profiles of 16 common patch test allergens were analysed based on data of 47 626 patients filed by the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology in Germany. The proportions of weak positive reactions and of questionable and irritant reactions were evaluated by calculating the positivity ratio (PR) and the reaction index (RI) separately for men and women for each allergen.

RESULTS

Of the 16 allergens evaluated, 8 had a higher PR and a higher RI in women than in men. 4 allergens had a lower PR and another 4 had a lower RI in women than in men. For allergens with similar sensitization prevalence in men and women, female sex was associated with a higher PR and RI (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

There is a marginal disparity in the reactivity of men and women to patch test allergens that is probably not of clinical relevance but constitutes a scientific challenge.