Routine testing for Primula obconica: Is it useful in the United States?

Allergic contact dermatitis to Primula obconica has long been established. It is considered a significant allergen in Europe and has been included in standard screening there. The allergen is much less common in the United States. The frequency of allerlgy to P obconica in the United States is difficult to assess because no series of routine testing to this allergen has been reported. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the frequency of primin allergy in routine testing in a referral patch test center. A series of 567 consecutive patch tests was performed that included primin as part of the standard screening. Only one patient had a positive reaction. Although it is frequently missed and often difficult to diagnose, the frequency of primin allergy in this series was too low to indicate including this allergen as part of routine testing.