Epidemiology

Abstract

Contact dermatitis and contact allergy are common medical conditions. But how common are they? Are they more common in certain populations? Are reactions to specific contact allergens more prevalent than to other allergens? This chapter presents some basic epidemiologic principles which are important in population-based or clinic-based studies on contact dermatitis. Examples of studies on contact allergy as well as contact dermatitis in general are presented. The chapter deals with methodological issues in the analysis of clinical epidemiological studies, i.e. among patients undergoing patch testing. Common pitfalls are addressed, in addition to a discussion on the factors that interact with the current estimates of the occurrence of contact dermatitis and/or contact allergy. © 2011 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.