BACKGROUND: Allergic contact dermatitis in HIV-positive patients has not been thoroughly studied (there are only case reports). Patch tests are the gold standard for diagnosis of this type of allergic reaction and have not been scientifically assessed in such patients. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the applicability of patch tests in HIV-positive patients. METHODS: A cross-sectional, controlled and descriptive study. A group of 16 HIV-positive patients was compared to a group of 32 patients with unknown HIV sorology results. Bivariate statistical analysis was performed with significance level of p<0.05. RESULTS: Seven patients (43.75%) in the HIV-positive group and 18 (56.25%) in the unknown sorology group had patch positive tests. CONCLUSIONS: Regardless of immunodeficiency, the findings of this study suggest that specific immunologic memory and the ability to positively respond to tests may remain active. Therefore, this standard and important diagnostic method for allergic contact dermatitis is valid when applied to a group of HIV patients.
Dermatitis, contact; Diagnosis; HIV
