Intradermal, Scratch, Indirect and Contact Tests in Dermatology

This presentation is a report of a comparative study of four types of sensitization tests on a series of 500 patients with dermatoses in whom the etiology was suspected to be of allergic origin. From 200 to 400 tests were done on each patient. The dermatologist of today is making an earnest effort to treat the various dermatoses from the standpoint of their specific etiology. We realize that many dermatologists are discouraged at the lack of aid which they have obtained in the past from sensitization tests. As a result of the observations herein presented, we are convinced that one may be more optimistic in this regard. It is most important that sensitization tests be interpreted by one who is experienced. A sufficient number of tests must be done to include all sources of exposure in each case. Tests should be repeated several times by different methods if indefinite or