Allergic reactions in oral and perioral diseases-what do allergy skin test results show?

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine potential allergic reactions to different materials in oral and perioral diseases.

STUDY DESIGN: The study included 230 consenting subjects in total-180 patients with oral and perioral diseases (30 patients each in the following groups: angioedema, oral lichenoid reactions [OLRs], burning mouth syndrome [BMS], gingivostomatitis, cheilitis, and perioral dermatitis) and 50 healthy controls. Comprehensive diagnostic workups were performed prior to patch testing with standard series allergens and with specific dental materials and skin prick testing (SPT) for food, preservatives and additives, and inhalants.

RESULTS: Positive allergy test results were more common in patients with oral diseases than in controls, with significantly greater frequency of contact allergies in the cheilitis group (P = .048). The most common allergens in the majority patients were cobalt chloride (13.3% in BMS vs 10% in controls) and nickel sulfate (10% in gingivostomatitis and 6.7% in cheilitis vs 3.3% in controls), and preservatives (23.3% in angioedema and BMS).

CONCLUSIONS: Allergy skin tests are reliable and justified for diagnosing allergies in cases of persistent or recurrent oral diseases. This is the only way to confirm allergies and is the basis for consequent allergen avoidance for the benefit of the patient.