Allergic Contact Dermatitis: Therapeutic Management

AbstractPurpose of ReviewAllergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is a common condition and may entail negative impacts on people ’s quality of life along with a substantial economic burden. Appropriately managing it through patient education, allergen avoidance, and symptomatic treatment is crucial for its resolution. Our review aims to establish a practical approach to ACD management, based on a comprehensive discussion of available therapeutic options for ACD, a review of the latest findings in this field, and personal insights from our clinical practice experience.Recent FindingsTopical treatments constitute the first-line therapy for ACD. Randomized clinical trials have shown topical corticosteroids to improve clinical and nonclinical outcomes, while tacrolimus has proven effective and safe. Evidence is lacking for oral corticosteroids in ACD sufferers, so recommendations for its use are primarily based on results obtained in dermatitis of other etiologies. In contrast, some studies have assessed azathioprine and phototherapy for ACD.SummaryPatient education and allergen avoidance are paramount for managing ACD. However, individualized symptomatic treatment is warranted in several clinical situations. Although these treatments are widely used in clinical practice, few studies support their use for ACD. Further research is needed.
Source: Current Treatment Options in Allergy - Category: Allergy & Immunology Source Type: research