Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Allergic Contact Dermatitis

  • Reference work entry
  • First Online:
Allergy and Asthma

  • 1420 Accesses

Abstract

Contact dermatitis, generally defined as an inflammation of the skin, results from exposure to an external agent and is most often classified as irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) or allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) (Tan et al. Clin Dermatol 32(1):116–124, 2014). Considerable overlap exists between the two conditions in clinical, histological, and molecular presentation, while the two may also coexist (Taylor and Amado. Contact dermatitis and related conditions. http://www.clevelandclinicmeded.com/medicalpubs/diseasemanagement/dermatology/contact-dermatitis-and-related-conditions/. Accessed 25 Oct 2017, 2010; Lachapelle and Maibach 2012).

A thorough history and physical exam may lead to diagnosis in select cases such as nickel or poison ivy allergy; however, distinction between ACD and ICD is best accomplished through patch testing. Patch testing is an attempt to reproduce the eczematous reaction of ACD on a smaller scale by applying a collection of allergens under occlusion at nonirritating concentrations on intact skin of the affected patient (Mowad et al. J Am Acad Dermatol 74(6):1029–1054, 2016). The clinician must be mindful of the varying patch testing materials and methods, procedural details, patch test reading and scoring, and various patch testing side effects. In treating ACD, the primary focus is avoidance of the allergen with several strategies and supplementary treatment options discussed in the following chapter.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 599.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Hardcover Book
USD 799.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Adisesh A, Meyer JD, Cherry NM. Prognosis and work absence due to occupational contact dermatitis. Contact Dermatitis. 2002;46(5):273–9.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Agrup G. Hand eczema and other hand dermatoses in South Sweden. Acta Derm Venerol (Stockh). 1969;49(Suppl 61):28–37.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ale SI, Maibach HI. Scientific basis of patch testing. Part I Dermatologie in Beruf und Umwelt Occup and Environ Derm. 2002;50(2):43–50.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ale SI, Maibach HJ. Operational definition of occupational allergic contact dermatitis. In: Kanerva L, Elsner P, Wahlberg JE, Maibach HI, editors. Condensed handbook of occupational dermatology. Berlin: Springer Berlin Heidelberg; 2004. p. 175–81.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Ale SI, Maibach HI. Diagnostic patch test: science and art. In: Zhai H, Wilhelm K-P, Maibach HI, editors. Marzulli and Maibach’s dermatotoxicology. 7th ed. Boca Raton: CRC Press; 2008. p. 673–87.

    Google Scholar 

  • Andersen KE. The interest of the true test in patch testing. Ann Dermatol Venereol. 2002;129:1S148.

    Google Scholar 

  • Andersen KE, Jensen CD. Long-lasting patch reactions to gold sodium thiosulfate occurs frequently in healthy volunteers. Contact Dermatitis. 2007;56(4):214–7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Aro T, Kanerva L, Häyrinen-Immonen R, Silvennoinen-Kassinen S, Konttinen YT, Jolanki R, et al. Long-lasting allergic patch test reaction caused by gold. Contact Dermatitis. 1993;28(5):276–81.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ashcroft DM, Dimmock P, Garside R, Stein K, Williams HC. Efficacy and tolerability of topical pimecrolimus and tacrolimus in the treatment of atopic dermatitis: meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Br J Dermatol. 2005;330(7490):516.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bahillo-Monné C, Heras-Mendaza F, Casado-Farinas I, Gatica-Ortega M, Conde-Salazar L. Jessner’s lymphocytic infiltrate as Koebner response to patch test. Contact Dermatitis. 2007;57:197–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Barbaud A, Reichert-Penetrat S, TrÉchot P, Jacquin-Petit MA, Ehlinger A, Noirez V, et al. The use of skin testing in the investigation of cutaneous adverse drug reactions. Br J Dermatol. 1998;139(1):49–58.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bashir SJ, Maibach HI. Compound allergy. Contact Dermatitis. 1997;36(4):179–83.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Belsito DV. Allergic contact dermatitis. In: Freedberg IM, et al., editors. Fitzpatrick’s dermatology in general medicine. 6th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill; 2003. p. 1164–77.

    Google Scholar 

  • Björkner B, Bruze M, Dahlquist I, Fregert S, Gruvberger B, Persson K. Contact allergy to the preservative Kathon® CG. Contact Dermatitis. 1986;14(2):85–90.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bonneville M, Rozières A, Chabeau G, Saint-Mezard P, Nicolas J-F. Physiopathologie de la dermatite irritante de contact. In: Progrès en dermato-allergologie. Paris: John Libbey Eurotext; 2004. p. 177–87.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brancaccio RR, Brown LH, Chang YT, Fogelman JP, Mafong EA, Cohen DE. Identification and quantification of para-phenylenediamine in a temporary black henna tattoo. Am J Contact Dermat. 2002;13(1):15–8.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Brasch J, Frosch PJ, Menné T, Lepoittevin JP. Contact dermatitis. 4th ed. Berlin: Springer; 2006.

    Google Scholar 

  • Carlsen BC, Andersen KE, Menné T, Johansen JD. Patients with multiple contact allergies: a review. Contact Dermatitis. 2008;58(1):1–8.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Cashman MW, Reutemann PA, Ehrlich A. Contact dermatitis in the United States: epidemiology, economic impact, and workplace prevention. Dermatol Clin. 2012;30(1):87–98.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Chew A-L, Maibach HI. Occupational issues of irritant contact dermatitis. Int Arch Occup Environ Health. 2003;76(5):339–46.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • De Jongh CM, Lutter R, Verberk MM, Kezic S. Differential cytokine expression in skin after single and repeated irritation by sodium lauryl sulphate. Exp Dermatol. 2007;16(12):1032.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • DeKoven JG, Warshaw EM, Belsito DV, Sasseville D, Maibach HI, Taylor JS, et al. North American contact dermatitis group patch test results 2013–2014. Dermatitis. 2017;28(1):33–46.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Deleuran M, Clemmensen O, Andersen KE. Contact lupus erythematous. Contact Dermatitis. 2000;43:169–85.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Devos SA, Mulder JS, Van der Valk PM. The relevance of positive patch test reactions in chronic otitis externa. Contact Dermatitis. 2004;42:354–5.

    Google Scholar 

  • Eiermann HJ, Larsen W, Maibach HI, Taylor JS, Maibach HI, Adams RM, et al. Prospective study of cosmetic reactions: 1977-1980. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1982;6(5):909–17.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Fischer TI, Hansen J, Kreilgård B, Maibach HI. The science of patch test standardization. Clin Immunol Allergy. 1989;9:417–34.

    Google Scholar 

  • Foussereau J, Benezra C, Maibach HI. Occupational contact dermatitis: clinical and chemical aspects. Copenhagan: Munksgaard; 1982.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fowler JF, Skinner SM, Belsito DV. Allergic contact dermatitis from formaldehyde resins in permanent press clothing: an underdiagnosed cause of generalized dermatitis. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1992;27(6, Part 1):962–8.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Fransway AF, Zug KA, Belsito DV, DeLeo VA, Fowler JFJ, Maibach HI, et al. North American Contact Dermatitis Group patch test results for 2007–2008. Dermatitis. 2013;24(1):10–21.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Fregert S. Occupational dermatitis in a 10–year material. Contact Dermatitis. 1975;1(2):96–107.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Fregert S. Publication of allergens. Contact Dermatitis. 1985;12(2):123–4.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Frosch PJ, John SM. Clinical aspects of irritant contact dermatitis. In: Johansen JD, Frosch PJ, Lepoittevin J-P, editors. Contact dermatitis. Berlin: Springer Berlin Heidelberg; 2011. p. 305–45.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Fyad A, Masmoudi ML, Lachapellh JM. The “edge effect” with patch test materials. Contact Dermatitis. 1987;16(3):147–51.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gallant CJ. A long-term follow-up study of patients with hand dermatitis evaluated at St. Michael’s occupational health clinic in 1981 and 1982. Masters thesis, The University of Toronto; (1986).

    Google Scholar 

  • Giordano-Labadie F, Rancé F, Pellegrin F, Bazex J, Dutau G, Schwarze HP. Frequency of contact allergy in children with atopic dermatitis: results of a prospective study of 137 cases. Contact Dermatitis. 1999;40(4):192–5.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Goon A, Goh C-L. Noneczematous contact reactions. In: Johansen JD, Frosch PJ, Lepoittevin J-P, editors. Contact dermatitis. Berlin: Springer Berlin Heidelberg; 2011. p. 415–27.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Gosnell AL, Schmotzer B, Nedorost ST. Polysensitization and individual susceptibility to allergic contact dermatitis. Dermatitis. 2015;26(3):133–5.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hannuksela M, Salo H. The repeated open application test (ROAT). Contact Dermatitis. 1986;14(4):221–7.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hoekstra M, van der Heide S, Coenraads PJ, Schuttelaar MLA. Anaphylaxis and severe systemic reactions caused by skin contact with persulfates in hair-bleaching products. Contact Dermatitis. 2012;66(6):317–22.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hogan DJ, Dannaker CJ, Maibach HI. The prognosis of contact dermatitis. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1990;23(2, Part 1):300–7.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kanerva L, Estlander T, Jolanki R. Sensitization to patch test acrylates. Contact Dermatitis. 1988;18(1):10–5.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lachapelle JM. A left versus right side comparative study of Epiquick™ patch test results in 100 consecutive patients. Contact Dermatitis. 1989;20(1):51–6.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lachapelle JM. A proposed relevance scoring system for positive allergic patch test reactions: practical implications and limitations. Contact Dermatitis. 1997;36(1):39–43.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lachapelle JM, Maibach HI. Patch testing and prick testing: a practical guide official publication of the ICDRG. Berlin: Springer Berlin Heidelberg; 2012.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Maibach HI, Epstein E. Eczematous psoriasis. Semin Dermatol J. 1983;2:45–50.

    Google Scholar 

  • Marks JG, DeLeo VA. Contact & occupational dermatology. Philadelphia: Jaypee Brothers, Medical Publishers Pvt. Ltd.; 2016.

    Google Scholar 

  • Marks JG Jr, Elsner P, DeLeo V. Contact and occupational dermatology. 3rd ed. St. Louis: Mosby; 1982.

    Google Scholar 

  • Menné T, Bachmann E. Permanent disability from nickel allergy. Contact Dermatitis. 1980;6(1):22.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Modjahedi SP, Maibach HI. Ethnicity. In: Chew AL, Maibach HI, editors. Irritant dermatitis. Berlin: Springer; 2006. p. 177–83.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Mortz CG, Lauritsen JM, Bindslev-Jensen C, Andersen KE. Prevalence of atopic dermatitis, asthma, allergic rhinitis, and hand and contact dermatitis in adolescents. The Odense Adolescence Cohort Study on Atopic Diseases and Dermatitis. Br J Dermatol. 2001;144(3):523–32.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mowad CM, Anderson B, Scheinman P, Pootongkam S, Nedorost S, Brod B. Allergic contact dermatitis. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2016;74(6):1029–54.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Nethercott JR, Holness L. Validity of patch test screening trays in the evaluation of patients with allergic contact dermatitis. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1989;21:568.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • O’Quinn SE, Cole J, Many H. Problems of disability and rehabilitation in patients with chronic skin diseases. Arch Dermatol. 1972;105:35–41.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Popple A, Williams J, Maxwell G, Gellatly N, Dearman RJ, Kimber I. The lymphocyte transformation test in allergic contact dermatitis: new opportunities. J Immunotoxicol. 2016;13(1):84–91.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Roenigk HH, Epstein E, Maibach HI. Skin manifestations of psoriasis and eczematous psoriasis: maturation. In: Roenigk HH, Maibach HI, editors. Psoriasis. 3rd ed. New York: Marcel Dekker; 1998. p. 3–11.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rystedt I. Prognostic factors in atopic dermatitis. Acta Derm Venereol. 1985;65(3):206–13.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Schnuch A, Brasch J, Uter W. Polysensitization and increased susceptibility in contact allergy: a review. Allergy. 2008;63(2):156–67.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Sperber BR, Allee J, Elenitsas R, James WD. Papular dermatitis and a persistent patch test reaction to gold sodium thiosulfate. Contact Dermatitis. 2003;48(4):204–8.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Swinnen I, Goossens A. An update on airborne contact dermatitis: 2007–2011. Contact Dermatitis. 2013;68(4):232–8.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Tan C-H, Rasool S, Johnston GA. Contact dermatitis: allergic and irritant. Clin Dermatol. 2014;32(1):116–24.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Taylor JS, Amado A. Contact dermatitis and related conditions. 2010. http://www.clevelandclinicmeded.com/medicalpubs/diseasemanagement/dermatology/contact-dermatitis-and-related-conditions/. Accessed 25 Oct 2017.

  • Uter WJC, Geier J, Schnuch A. Good clinical practice in patch testing: readings beyond day 2 are necessary: a confirmatory analysis. Am J Contact Dermat. 1996;7(4):231–7.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Veien NK. Systemic contact dermatitis. Int J Dermatol. 2011;50(12):1445–56.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Warshaw EM, Belsito DV, Taylor JS, Sasseville D, DeKoven JG, Zirwas MJ, Fransway AF, Mathias CG, Zug KA, DeLeo VA, Fowler JF Jr, Marks JG, Pratt MD, Storrs FJ, Maibach HI. North American Contact Dermatitis Group patch test results: 2009 to 2010. Dermatitis. 2013;24(2):50–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Weiss G, Shemer A, Trau H. The Koebner phenomenon: review of the literature. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2002;16(3):241–8.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wilkinson DS, Fregert S, Magnusson B, Bandmann HJ, Calnan CD, Cronin E, Hjorth N, Maibach HJ, Malaten KE, Meneghini CL, Pirilä V. Terminology of contact dermatitis. Acta Derm Venereol. 1970;50(4):287–92.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wilson EAH, Wolf MS. Working memory and the design of health materials: a cognitive factors perspective. Patient Educ Couns. 2009;74(3):318–22.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Yiannias JA, Winkelmann RK, Connolly SM. Contact sensitivities in palmar plantar pustulosis (acropustulosis). Contact Dermatitis. 1998;39(3):108–11.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Louisiana State University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA

    John Havens Cary

  2. Department of Dermatology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA

    Howard I. Maibach

Authors
  1. John Havens Cary
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Howard I. Maibach
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to John Havens Cary .

Section Editor information

  1. Division of Allergy & Immunology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA

    Dennis K. Ledford

  2. Milton S Hershey Med Ctr, Penn State University, Hershey, PA, USA

    Timothy Craig

  3. Penn State University, Hershey, PA, USA

    Tim Craig

  4. Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA

    Massoud Mahmoudi

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2019 Springer Nature Switzerland AG

About this entry

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this entry

Cary, J.H., Maibach, H.I. (2019). Allergic Contact Dermatitis. In: Allergy and Asthma. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-05147-1_11

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-05147-1_11

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-030-05146-4

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-030-05147-1

  • eBook Packages: MedicineReference Module Medicine

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation