Patch testing is clinically important for patients with peri-anal dermatoses and pruritus ani.

There is a lack of published data on the role of patch testing in patientswith peri-anal dermatoses and pruritus ani. These are common and socially embarrassing conditions that are often poorly managed (1). Peri-anal dermatosis is a term that encompasses a series of inflammatory diseases affecting the anal region, of which eczema, of various aetiologies, is the most common (2, 3). Pruritus ani is defined as an itch localized to the anus and peri-anal skin without a rash. When no demonstrable cause is found, it is often described as idiopathic, and general advice regarding hygiene is given, which may result in only symptomatic relief for a minority of patients (4). The aimof this studywas to establishwhether there is a role for patch testingof patientswithperi-anal dermatoses and/or symptoms of pruritus ani referred to the Contact Allergy Department to identify any causative allergens.