Le dermatiti delle palpebre

Purpose: To determine the most important causes of contact allergic reactions on the eyes and eyelids. Patients and Methods: This retrospective study provides an analysis of patch-test results obtained in a population of 215 patients suffering from conjunctivitis and/or dermatitis on the eyelids, out of a total population of 2035 patients investigated for contact allergy between February 2003 and April 2005. If indicated, also prick testing with a latex extract was performed. Results: The majority of the patients with eye and/ or eyelid involvement presented with a positive reaction to at least one of the contact allergens tested. The main sensitisation sources were cosmetics (fragrance components, preservatives, emulsifiers, hair-care and nail products), metals (nickel), topical pharmaceutical products (antibiotics, corticosteroids), rubber derivatives, resins (e.g. epoxy resin), and plants. Also latex-allergy (immediate-type sensitivity presenting as a contacturticaria syndrome) was a frequent finding in such patients. Conclusion: Contact allergy is a common cause of eyelid dermatitis in particular and the allergens may reach the skin in many different ways.