RT Book, Section
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
SR Print(0)
ID 56023727
T1 Chapter 13. Allergic Contact Dermatitis
T2 Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine, 8e
YR 2012
FD 2012
PB The McGraw-Hill Companies
PP New York, NY
SN 978-0-07-166904-7
LK accessmedicine.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=56023727
RD 2024/04/18
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.