The flare-up phenomenon: recurrence of distant dermatitis during patch testing

Irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) is a common skin condition and a risk factor for allergic contact dermatitis. The prevalence of this disease in the general population varies between 1.7% and 6.3% and is increasing. The role of the patch test in detection of contact sensitivity is of prime importance. Patch tests should be used to identify topical agents that may be responsible for exacerbation or aggravation of eczema, especially in patients who do not improve despite adequate treatment