Introduction: Underestimation of the etiological factor in the development of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) hinders the implementation of elimination measures and the correct strategy for treatment of this disease using topical glucocorticosteroids (TCS). The identification or non-identification of the causally significant allergen (hapten) is prognostically significant for the patient, improves quality of life, and allows for the recommendation of prophylaxis measures in mid- and long-term.

Goals and objectives: Identify haptens causing allergic contact dermatitis in adult patients living in the North Caucasian Federal District (NCFD).

Materials and Methods: The study included 124 patients. The first group consisted of 97 women with a mean age of 39.9±11.4 years. The second group consisted of 27 men of 32.8±11.3 years of age. The average duration of ACD in women was 14 years, and in men, 12 years. The diagnosis of ACD in vivo was carried out using standard methods of skin testing in the form of patch tests – "Chemotechnique Diagnostics" (Sweden). Testing was conducted taking into account indications and contraindications for provocation tests after approval by the local ethics committee of the Stavropol Regional Clinical Hospital. To compare differences between groups, the non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test for independent samples, the Mann-Whitney U test was used.

Results and conclusions: High sensitization was observed to nickel sulfate, cobalt chloride, palladium, and thiomersal. Men are more sensitized to palladium - 40.7% of cases, while nickel comes second with 29.6% of cases. Rosin and para-phenylenediamine cause ACD among 29.6% and 25.9% of men, respectively, which is explained by frequent skin contact with occupational factors and due to everyday activities. Neomycin sulfate in men causes ACD much more often than in women, as does diazolidinyl urea, each accounting for 18.5% of cases. A mixture of local anesthetics, thiuram, methylisothiazolinone, and aromatic substances (FM I) in equal proportions causes ACD in 7.4% of men. The main haptens that sensitize women are nickel sulfate (49.5% of cases) and cobalt chloride (48.5% of cases). Palladium and methylisothiazolinone cause ACD in women at 39.2% and 24.7% of cases, respectively. The widespread and frequent use of imitation jewelry, laundry detergents, and cosmetic products by women explains this spectrum of sensitization. As a result of frequent use of dark hair dyes, sensitization to para-phenylenediamine was 11.3%. Thus, the main haptens causing allergic contact dermatitis in the European patient population are: nickel sulfate, cobalt chloride, thiomersal, thiuram, methylisothiazolinone, neomycin, diazolidinyl urea, palladium, and para-phenylenediamine. The use of patch tests with the above-listed haptens allows accurate identification of the cause of ACD, selective implementation of elimination measures, and pathogenetic therapy with topical corticosteroids.

Danil Palagota is a doctor, dermatovenerologist, resident physician, and allergist-immunologist. He has been working as a doctor since 2023 in a research center in Stavropol, Russia, where he provides highly qualified care to patients using modern drugs that guarantee good results in the treatment of their diseases. He helps patients with diseases such as atopic dermatitis, contact allergic dermatitis, psoriasis, allergies, hay fever, discoid lupus erythematosus, and purulent hidradenitis.