The profile of a patient with contact dermatitis and a suspicion of contact allergy (history, physical characteristics, and dermatology-specific quality of life)

Abstract

According to the National Center for Health Statistics Survey, a large proportion of patients with contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, or eczema visit nondermatologists, and only approximately 40% visit dermatologists. Therefore, the prompt, proper diagnosis of the cause and prescription of precise treatment can be delayed. We wanted to create a clear understanding of the nuances of the allergic contact dermatitis and its effect on the economics and life quality of the patients for not only the dermatologists but also the primary care physicians. In an observational multicenter study planned for a span of 1 year with approximately 570 patients suspected of allergic contact dermatitis, data were collected at enrollment on their history, physical characteristics, and quality of life and were analyzed using routine statistical procedures. The "quality of life" data on these patients, most of whom have a history of long-standing disease, show a high correlation between the clinical factors such as symptom activity and frequency of episodes and the subscales of quality of life. These patients had a lesser score on mental and vital subscales (SF-36) than US population norms, showing a moderate impact of the disease on their mental health and vitality. There is an urgent need for a simpler and quicker method that could lead to an earlier and more precise diagnosis so the causal substance can be identified and avoided and the disease treated in a timely and cost-effective manner.