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A study of additional information given to patients with contact allergies
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
british journal of dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.304
H-Index - 179
eISSN - 1365-2133
pISSN - 0007-0963
DOI - 10.1111/bjd.19635
Subject(s) - allergy , medicine , contact allergy , contact dermatitis , dermatology , allergic contact dermatitis , hand eczema , population , allergen , environmental health , immunology
Contact dermatitis is a type of eczema caused by contact of the skin with a particular substance in the environment. This can cause a chronic skin disease such as hand eczema and it is crucial to identify the allergy and to obtain information on where the allergen can be found. Otherwise, the eczema becomes difficult to treat and may affect a patient’s daily life and work ability. More than a quarter of the European population has been shown to have some kind of contact allergy. The different allergens often have complicated chemical names and previous studies have shown that it can be difficult to remember the names. To test the patient for contact allergy, different substances are applied to a person’s back, and if contact allergy is found, then a red (in lighter skin) or a dark brown (in darker skin), raised itchy spot is formed. Patients are informed orally and in writing, about their allergy, where the allergen can be found and how to avoid it. Our study was done in Lund, Sweden. We aimed to find out if providing additional information to participants could improve their ability to remember and understand the outcome of their tests. We found that 184 patients had at least one allergy. Half of them received standard information as above and the other half received standard information including an additional reminder letter after three months. The results were followed up by questionnaires sent out to the participants after 12 months. The intervention in our study did not significantly improve the participants’ ability to remember their contact allergy. However, we saw that those participants with several allergies and older persons had difficulties in remembering the correct names of the allergens. Moreover, the type of allergy had an influence on the ability to remember the name and to make lifestyle changes. Fragrance names were difficult to remember but resulted in lifestyle changes as patients avoided perfumes. Further efforts should be made to improve information and education for patients over 60 years of age with multiple allergies. Linked Article: Dizdarevic et al. Br J Dermatol 2021; 184 :43–49.