Symptoms

Symptoms of allergic contact dermatitis can vary from person to person, but may include rashes, redness, blisters, swelling and itching. In some cases, open sores and crusts may also form.

Location: allergic contact dermatitis can occur on any part of the body that comes into contact with the allergic substance. However, it is more common on the hands, arms, legs, face and neck.

Diagnosis

Allergic contact dermatitis is diagnosed by physical examination and medical history. An allergy test can help identify the trigger of the allergic reaction.

Therapy

Treatment of allergic contact dermatitis may include topical corticosteroids, antihistamines, moisturizing creams, cold compresses, and avoidance of the allergic substance. In severe cases, oral corticosteroids or immunomodulators may be prescribed.

Course

The course of allergic contact dermatitis can vary. In some cases, it may resolve within a few days to weeks, while in others it may become chronic.

Prognosis

The prognosis for allergic contact dermatitis is usually good if the allergic substance is identified and avoided. However, in severe cases, long-term treatment may be required.

Incidence: allergic contact dermatitis is a common skin condition and occurs in about 15% of the population.

Risk factors

Risk factors for allergic contact dermatitis include exposure to allergic substances, family predisposition, age, occupation, and gender.

Prevention: Prevention of allergic contact dermatitis can be achieved by avoiding allergic substances and using protective clothing.

Pathogenesis: The pathogenesis of allergic contact dermatitis involves sensitization of the immune system to a specific substance, which then leads to an allergic reaction.

Definition

Allergic contact dermatitis is an allergic reaction that occurs when a person has an allergic reaction to a substance that comes into contact with the skin.

Classification: allergic contact dermatitis can be divided into several categories, including irritant contact dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, photoallergic contact dermatitis, and toxic contact dermatitis.

Staging

Allergic contact dermatitis can be divided into different stages depending on the severity of symptoms. In the acute phase, redness, itching and blisters may appear. In the subacute phase, symptoms may subside, but the skin may still be irritated and dry. In the chronic phase, skin thickening and scaling may develop.

Similar diseases

Allergic contact dermatitis can be confused with other skin conditions that have similar symptoms. These include irritant contact dermatitis, toxic contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, and psoriasis.

Literature

There are numerous scientific studies and reference books dealing with allergic contact dermatitis. Some important literature sources are:

“Allergic Contact Dermatitis” by Jeanne Duus Johansen et al.

“Contact Dermatitis” by Peter J. Frosch et al.

“Handbook of Occupational Dermatology” by Howard I. Maibach et al.

Web links

There are many online resources that address allergic contact dermatitis, including:

German Dermatological Society: https://www.derma.de/krankheitsbilder/allergisches-kontaktekzem

American Academy of Dermatology: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/eczema/contact-dermatitis

National Eczema Association: https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/types-of-eczema/contact-dermatitis/