Evaluation of allergic vesicular reaction to patch test using in vivo confocal microscopy

Background: Confocal microscopy has been successfully applied both in oncologic and inflammatory diseases. In particular, it has been proved as a useful tool for the in vivo detection of microscopical changes occurring in allergic reactions. Aims of the study: To evaluate microscopic changes occurring in positive patch test reactions. Methods: Eight patients with history of allergic dermatitis and positive patch test reaction were analysed by means of confocal microscopy. Results: Confocal microscopy showed the presence of spongiotic vesicle preferentially localized around the adnexal ducts that appeared to be in the middle of the spongiotic phenomena. Conclusion: Confocal microscopy offered for the first time new insight into vesicle formation and development, showing that adnexal ducts can play a role in allergic reaction. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.