Search

This article reports on seasonal influence on patch test results in Central Europe. Since ultraviolet radiation experimentally influences both the induction and the elicitation of allergic contact dermatitis, sunlight exposure might be expected to lead to false-negative or doubtful patch test reactions. Reaction frequency separated into positive and irritant-doubtful outcomes was determined monthly for the populations aged below and above 40 years. Positive or irritant doubtful outcome per month was defined as the number of patients with atleast one positive or irritant doubtful reaction in the standard series divided by the total number of patients tested.