Oral Poster Presentations (OP)

Background: Propolis, complex resinous substance found in beehives, iswidely used in cosmetics and over-the-counter remedies. Increasing prevalence of contact sensitization to the substance has been observed. Objectives: The present study was aimed at determining the frequency of sensitization to propolis among dermatitis patients. Methods: 235 consecutive dermatitis patients in 2007 and 145 – in 2011 were patch tested with propolis (10% in petrolatum) along with other allergens of baseline series. Patch testing was performed following to the guidelines of the International Contact Dermatitis Research Group. The allergens were applied for 48 hrs. Positive reactions between ‘+’ and ‘+++’ at day 3 were considered positive. Demographic and clinical data on these patients were collected in accordance with the ESSCA ‘minimal data set’. Results: At least one positive patch test reaction was found in 47% of the tested patients. Positive patch test reaction to propolis was observed in 11 (2.9%, 95% PI 1.2–4.6%) cases. Comparing patients with positive and negative patch test results to propolis according MOALFHA index, no significant differences in age, sex, occupational dermatitis or atopicdermatitis prevalenceweredetermined. In regard to theprimary siteofdermatitis, higherproportion of patientswith leg dermatitiswasfoundamongsensitized topropolis patients thanother tested subjects (36.4% vs. 10.3%, P = 0.007, using chi-square test). Current clinical relevance of positive patch test reaction to propolis was certain in 7 cases (64%). In all these cases, over-the-counter topical remedies containing propolis were used to treat skin diseases (stasis dermatitis, leg ulcers, mycosis and others). Two women declared past intolerance to shampoos containing propolis. Conclusions: Propolis is a common and clinically relevant contact allergen among dermatitis patients and should be included to the baseline series in Li... [...].