This Article  • References  • Full text PDF  • Send to a friend  • Save in My Folder  • Save to citation manager  • Permissions  Citing Articles  • Contact me when this article is cited  Related Content  • Similar articles in this journal  Social Bookmarking   What's this?

Relationship Between Patch Test Reactions and 'Use' Tests

Stephen D. Prystowsky, MD; John H. Nonomura; Ronald W. Smith, MS; Alfred M. Allen, MD, MPH

Arch Dermatol. 1979;115(6):713-715.

Abstract
The prevalence of neomycin patch test sensitivity in the general population is approximately 1%. We describe the relationship between positive neomycin patch tests and clinical "use tests" with two antibiotic combinations (Neosporin G cream and Neosporin ointment). The neomycin use test was positive in seven of eight subjects with a strongly positive patch test, and in two of four subjects with a weakly positive patch test. A positive use test usually occurred earlier and was always more intense with the cream base. The use test reactions were usually mild even with continued application of the antigen. Use tests with commercial products may be helpful in evaluating the clinical relevance of positive patch tests.

(Arch Dermatol 115:713-715, 1979)

Author Affiliations
From the Department of Dermatology, University of California Medical Center, San Francisco, and the Letterman Army Institute of Research, Presidio of San Francisco.

Footnotes
Accepted for publication Oct 31, 1978.

The opinions or assertions contained herein are the private views of the authors and are not to be construed as official or as reflecting the views of the Department of the Army or the Department of Defense.

Reprint requests to 325 Marks Rd, Danville, CA 94526 (Dr Prystowsky).

CiteULike    Connotea    Del.icio.us    Digg    Reddit    Technorati    Twitter     What's this?