ANOTHER “PARABEN PARADOX”

Background. To test the reliability and reproducibility of the patch test with a paraben mix, we added a second paraben mix allergen to our standard tray and compared the results achieved with these two allergens. Methods. Two hundred and fifteen consecutive patients, undergoing patch testing with a standard series, were simultaneously tested with an additional paraben mix (i.e., each patient was tested with two paraben mix allergens) supplied by two different companies. Results. Twelve patients (5.6%) showed a positive reaction to one or two paraben tests. Five patients showed a positive reaction to one paraben test (paraben‐a), and five others to the second paraben test (paraben‐b). Only two patients out of 12 with positive reactions to parabens showed a reaction with both of the two parabens. The parabens appear to be overrepresented in our study compared to other series. There was no correlation between the results of the tests with the two different parabens used Conclusions. Patch testing with a paraben mix cannot be considered an appropriate and reliable method for detecting paraben allergies. T is recommended to test routinely with a paraben screening series instead of the paraben mix.