Experience in patch testing: A 6-year retrospective review from a single academic allergy practice

Contact dermatitis is an inflammatory cutaneous reaction induced by an exogenous agent coming into direct contact with the skin and is characterized by pruritic, well-defined, eczematous dermatitis with vesicles, or erythematous papules.[1-3] Irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) accounts for>80% of cases and occurs as a result of direct damage to the skin by physical agents or chemicals without prior sensitization.[4] Only 20% of cases of contact dermatitis have an underlying allergic mechanism. Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is a delayed, type IV (T-cell mediated) hypersensitivity reaction occurring in susceptible individuals with prior sensitization.
Source: Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology - Category: Allergy & Immunology Authors: Source Type: research