Contact sensitization to modern wound dressings in 70 patients with chronic leg ulcers.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Patients with chronic leg ulcers typically experience contact allergy to topical treatments. Although declared as hypoallergenic, modern wound dressings have caused several reported cases of contact allergy.

OBJECTIVE:

The aim of the study was to evaluate any allergenic potential of modern wound dressings in patients with leg ulcers.

METHODS:

Seventy-one patients were included in our prospective observation. Patch tests were performed with a selection of 10 modern wound dressings and with selected allergens according to series of the German Contact Dermatitis Research Group (DKG).

RESULTS:

Of 70 patients eligible for evaluation, 12 (17%) were positive for the hydrogel NuGel, followed by the hydrocolloid NuDerm (n = 7/70, 10%) and the ionic silver-containing wound dressing Aquacel Ag and the gauze Adaptic (both n = 4/70, 5%). Patients with recalcitrant ulcers of prolonged duration showed a significant higher number of epicutaneous sensitizations to wound dressings than patients with shorter ulcer duration.

CONCLUSIONS:

The allergenic potential of modern wound dressings should not be underestimated. There is need for precise declaration of all ingredients.

• Authors: Regina Renner, Jan C Simon, Regina Treudler
• Journal: Dermatitis : contact, atopic, occupational, drug (Dermatitis) 2013 Mar-Apr Vol. 24 Issue 2 Pg. 60-3 ISSN: 2162-5220 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 23474445 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Allergens
• Colloids
• Silver Compounds
• Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium

Topics

• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Allergens (adverse effects)
• Bandages (adverse effects)
• Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium (adverse effects)
• Colloids (adverse effects)
• Dermatitis, Allergic Contact (etiology)
• Female
• Humans
• Leg Ulcer (therapy)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Patch Tests (methods)
• Prospective Studies
• Silver Compounds (adverse effects)
• Wound Healing