Influence of Atopic Dermatitis on the Dermoscopic Phenotype of Positive Patch Test Reactions: A Prospective Comparative Study
April 2026
in “
Life
”
Studysummary In this study, researchers observed that atopic dermatitis may alter the appearance of allergic patch test reactions, demonstrating specific patterns like perifollicular erythema and yellowish areas that could aid in interpreting patch tests using dermoscopy, particularly in ambiguous cases.
Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer
This study examined the impact of atopic dermatitis (AD) on the dermoscopic features of positive patch test reactions in 160 participants, equally divided between those with and without AD. It found that certain dermoscopic features, such as perifollicular erythema, yellowish areas, and pigment residuals, were more common in individuals with AD. For example, perifollicular erythema was significantly more prevalent in children with AD (41.9%) compared to non-AD controls (7.3%). Dermoscopy also helped reduce the number of clinically doubtful reactions, particularly in AD patients, by 59.5% in adults and 53.4% in children, suggesting its usefulness in improving diagnostic accuracy for patch test evaluations in those with AD.
