Evaluation of contact sensitivity in patients with isolated itching of the external auditory canal

Acar B., Karadag A. S., Karabulut H., BABADEMEZ M. A., Zaim M., Karasen R. M.

Journal of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, cilt.40, sa.3, ss.187-190, 2011 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)

Özet

Objective: This study was designed to demonstrate the frequency of sensitivity to European standard patch test allergens in patients with isolated itching of the external auditory canal (EAC). Study Design: A prospective case-control study. Methods: Fifty-six female patients with the complaint of recurrent EAC itching and 30 female controls without pruritis of the ears were patch-tested with 25 allergens of the European standard series. Results: Twenty-four patients (25.5%) had one or more positive patch test reactions. In 21.4% of patients, nickel sulphate was the most frequent sensitizer, but there was no statistically significant difference in the nickel sensitization rate between patients and controls (p > .05). Sensitivity rates were much lower for the other allergens. There was no association between contact sensitivity to fragrances and to preservatives and patients with pruritis of the ears. Conclusion: Our results do not demonstrate that most patients with pruritic ears probably suffer from allergic contact dermatitis. © 2011 The Canadian Society of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery.