Common Allergens Identified Based on Patch Test Results in Patients with Suspected Contact Dermatitis of the Scalp

In a study of 1,015 patients at the University of Miami, 226 with suspected scalp contact dermatitis were analyzed, revealing that the most common allergens were nickel (23.8%), cobalt (21.0%), balsam of Peru (18.2%), fragrance mix (14.4%), carba mix (11.6%), and propylene glycol (8.8%). The majority of affected patients were females aged 40-59, experiencing symptoms like scalp itching or burning, with 78.3% reporting scalp rash or itching. Hair clasps, pins, brushes, shampoos, conditioners, and hair gels were identified as frequent sources of these allergens. The study highlighted the utility of patch testing in patients with hair loss potentially due to allergic contact dermatitis and underscored the importance of considering this condition in clinical practice. Differences in allergen frequencies were noted compared to other studies, which may be attributed to different study focuses. The study was approved by the University of Miami Institutional Review Board, and while one author disclosed receiving honoraria from related companies, no other conflicts of interest were reported.