TY - CHAP M1 - Book, Section TI - Chapter 13. Allergic Contact Dermatitis A1 - Castanedo-Tardan, Mari Paz A1 - Zug, Kathryn A. A2 - Goldsmith, Lowell A. A2 - Katz, Stephen I. A2 - Gilchrest, Barbara A. A2 - Paller, Amy S. A2 - Leffell, David J. A2 - Wolff, Klaus PY - 2012 T2 - Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine, 8e AB - |PrintAllergic Contact Dermatitis at a GlanceAllergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is a cell-mediated (type IV), delayed type, hypersensitivity reaction caused by skin contact with an environmental allergen.Prior sensitization to a chemical is required for allergy to develop.The clinical manifestation of ACD is an eczematous dermatitis. The acute phase is characterized by pruritus, erythema, edema, and vesicles usually confined to the area of direct exposure. Recurrent contact to the allergen in a sensitized individual will result in chronic disease, characterized by lichenified erythematous plaques with variable hyperkeratosis and fissuring that may spread beyond the areas of direct exposure.Itch and swelling are key components of the history and can be a clue to allergy.The hands, feet, and face (including the eyelids) are some of the common sites for ACD.Patch testing is fundamental for the identification of causal allergens and is indicated for patients with persistent or recurrent dermatitis in whom ACD is suspected.Avoidance is the mainstay of treatment for ACD. Educating patients about avoidance of the allergen and its potentially related substances, and providing suitable alternatives are crucial to a good outcome. SN - PB - The McGraw-Hill Companies CY - New York, NY Y2 - 2024/04/17 UR - accessmedicine.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=56023727 ER -