Allergic contact dermatitis to footwear in Thailand: Prevalence, clinical characteristics and common allergens

BackgroundFootwear contact allergy is caused by exposure to allergens in shoes. The prevalence and common allergens vary by region and time due to differences in customs and lifestyle.ObjectivesTo determine the clinical characteristics and common allergens of patients with footwear-related allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) who attended Siriraj Hospital in Bangkok, Thailand, between 2001 and 2020.MethodsThe medical records of 247 patients with clinically suspected footwear dermatitis who underwent patch testing were reviewed.ResultsThe prevalence of ACD to footwear was 1.8%. Females were predominant (71.6%). The three most common allergens were carba mix (7.7%), mercapto mix (6.9%) and potassium dichromate (6.9%). According to the allergens found, rubber (14.2%), adhesives (7.7%) and leathers (6.9%) were the three most common groups. Dorsal-limited skin lesions were significantly associated with footwear ACD.ConclusionRubber and leather allergens were still the most common culprit allergens. Dermatologists should keep up-to-date on common allergens in footwear and emerging allergens to include in patch test series. A total of 247 patients with clinically suspected footwear dermatitis who underwent patch testing were retrospectively reviewed. The three most common allergens were carba mix (7.7%), mercapto mix (6.9%) and potassium dichromate (6.9%). Positive reactions to biocides increased significantly over time. Dorsal-limited skin lesions were significantly associated with footwear allergic contact dermatitis.image

Automated summary

This study retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 247 patients with clinically suspected footwear dermatitis at Siriraj Hospital in Bangkok. It found that females were predominant and rubber and leather allergens were still the most common causes of allergic contact dermatitis related to footwear. Dermatologists should stay informed of common and emerging allergens in footwear to provide accurate diagnosis and treatment.