Objective: To investigate the clinical characteristics of patients with chromium allergy in Korea.
Methods: Patch test data from June 1998 to January 2014 were retrospectively analyzed (n=975; male=289, female=686). Patients who showed positive reactions to potassium dichromate (chromium (+) group; n=58) and who showed positive reactions to other allergens except potassium dichromate (others (+) group; n=497) were identified and the characteristics of both groups were compared. The prevalence of chromium allergy was additionally analyzed in each 4-year period to study the change over time.
Results: The sensitization rate of potassium dichromate was 5.9% (n=58) and women comprised 72.4% (n=42) of chromium (+) group. Hands and feet were more frequently affected in chromium (+) group (P=0.002, 0.019). Occupational dermatitis was not significantly more common in chromium (+) group. Chromium allergy was most prevalent in patients in their 50s (8.4%). The prevalence of chromium allergy was 13.5% during 1998-2002 but decreased to 5.4% during 2010-2014.
Conclusion: The characteristics of patients with chromium allergy suggested that chromium exposure in daily activities, including leather exopsure, is more relevant than occupational exposure in most patients. The prevalence of chromium allergy has been decreased in Korea, which may be an effect of voluntary regulation of chromium extent in cement by manufacturers