Gene profiling of skin lesions improves diagnosis of allergic contact dermatitis

Analysing molecular signatures from active skin lesions aids in the stratification of patients with contact dermatitis (CD) and helps identify those with allergic CD, suggests a study.

A team of researchers examined the expression of 12 allergy biomarkers by qRT-PCR in active lesions of 38 CD patients. Patch test results and exposure assessment were used to diagnose allergic CD. Finally, the research team compared molecular signatures of active dermatitis lesions, as well as positive patch test reactions, with those of reference chemical allergens and irritants.

Of the CD patients, 19 had a positive reaction on patch testing, while 17 were diagnosed with allergic CD as confirmed by exposure assessment.

Two distinct molecular patterns were identified via gene profiling of active CD lesions: patients harbouring signatures similar to reference allergens (n=23) or irritants (n=15). Seventeen of the 23 patients with an “allergy signature” had a confirmed allergic CD diagnosis, where the remaining six individuals had no culprit allergen seen.

Notably, the 15 patients with no biomarker induction showed a negative patch test reaction. This meant that they had nonallergic CD reactions.

“Distinguishing between allergic and nonallergic forms of CD is challenging and requires investigations based on patch testing,” the researchers said. “Early detection of allergy biomarkers in active CD lesions could refine and simplify the management of CD patients.”