Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Allergologia et immunopathologia, cilt.54, sa.3, ss.87-95, 2026 (Scopus)
Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) in the elderly is influenced by age-related immunological changes, cumulative exposure, and skin barrier alterations. However, data comparing sensitization profiles among different geriatric populations remains limited. We aimed to evaluate and compare the patterns and severity of patch test reactions in patients aged 65–74 (young– old group) and those aged 75 years or older (old–old group), using the European Standard Series (ESS). A total of 128 patients aged 65 years or older were retrospectively analyzed. Patch testing was performed with the ESS, and reactions were assessed at 48 and 96 hours according to the International Contact Dermatitis Research Group (ICDRG) criteria. Of the patients, 106 were classified as young–old and 22 as old–old. The most frequent allergens in the young–old group were propolis (20%), fragrance mix I (17%), methyldibromo glutaroni-trile (16%), peru balsam (15.1%), and nickel sulfate (14.2%), while methylchloroisothiazolinone/ methylisothiazolinone (22.7%), methylisothiazolinone (13.6%), propolis (13.6%), and textile dye mix (13.6%) were the most common that in the old–old group. Across both groups, preservative and fragrance-related allergens predominated. According to ICDRG grading, most reactions were weak positive (+), whereas moderate positive (++) and strong positive (+++) reactions were less frequent, particularly in the old–old group. In conclusion, preservatives, propolis and fragrance-related allergens remain the leading causes of contact sensitization in the elderly, while metal sensitization decreases with advancing age. The reduced frequency and intensity of positive reactions in the old–old group may reflect immunosenescence and diminished T-cell responsiveness in advanced age.