Allergic contact dermatitis.
Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) in children is underrecognized. It is often confused with antibody-mediated allergies such as urticaria or allergic rhinitis, but the mechanism in ACD involves T lymphocytes and not antibody. Surprisingly, sensitization to common allergens is likely to occur in infancy. All contact allergens are weak allergens requiring repeated exposure over long periods of time. Detection of specific allergens is by epicutaneous (patch) testing and will provide the basis for allergen avoidance therapeutic strategies.
Weston
W L
WL
Department of Dermatology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver, USA. william.weston@UCHSC.edu
Bruckner
A
A
D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans