Evaluation of skin patch test results and Allergen elimination in patients with idiopathic recurrent aphthous stomatitis

Abstract

Objective: The etiology of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) has not been clarified yet. However, the role of type IV hypersensitivity that was diagnosed by patch tests had been proposed as an etiologic factor in previous studies. The aim of this study is to evaluate the skin patch test (SPT) results of idiopathic RAS patients and to evaluate the effect of allergen elimination on disease progress. Material and Methods: The SPT's were applied to 58 patients with idiopathic RAS as well as 40 healthy volunteers and test results were compared. Statistically significant allergens in RAS group were detected for clinical compliance and the presence of these allergens in oral cavity was investigated. Allergenic materials were replaced with allergen-free alternatives and patients were followed up for 12 months Results: The nickel and potassium dichromate positivities were significantly higher in the RAS group when compared to the control group. Ten out of thirteen nickel-positive and 3 out of 11 potassium dichromate-positive RAS patients had a history of dental interventions containing these allergens. In control group no patient had a history of dental procedures. After changing the nickel and potassium dichromate containing dental materials in RAS patients, no relapse was observed in 12 months follow up period. Conclusion: The SPT might be considered as a useful test in RAS patients with undetectable etiology. Although no relaps was observed in our study, after changing the allergenic dental materials of RAS patients, further large scaled studies should be performed to clarify the relationship.