[Current contact allergens].

We present the patch test results of 2,623 patients treated at the Department of Dermatology, University of Heidelberg, from July, 1984 to June, 1986. One test at least was positive in 680 patients (25.9%). 257 allergens produced a total of 1,450 positive reactions. (average: 2.1 per patient). 9.7% of the allergens caused 64.4% of the positive reactions. The 5 most frequent allergens were nickel sulfate, balsam of Peru, formaldehyde, neomycin sulfate, and cobalt sulfate. Mixed fragrances and Kathon CG were among the 20 most frequent allergens though only tested during half of the study period. Glyceril monothioglycolate was the leading allergen with hairdressers. Other allergens clinically relevant were rubber gloves, bufexamac, bronopol, and propolis.