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Journal of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, vol.40, no.3, pp.187-190, 2011 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
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.