title: [Contact sensitization to external agents].
abstract: The following review describes contact sensitization to topically applied medications--especially topical dermatological agents--and to external agents in the broadest sense. Particularly skin care products constitute a special source for sensitization due to their widespread use. Especially fragrances and preservatives in cosmetics play an important global role in eliciting contact allergies. Because of the extremely broad spectrum covered by the active and adjuvant ingredients contained in external agents, the following discussion focuses on specific substance groups.
authors.affiliation: Hautklinik, Universitätsklinikum der RWTH Aachen, Aachen. Serdmann@ukaachen.de
authors.forename: S M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Erdmann
authors.forename: H-F
authors.initials: HF
authors.lastname: Merk
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000009:adverse effects; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000009:adverse effects; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D003358:Cosmetics / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003836:Deodorants / Q000009:adverse effects; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D006801:Humans; D015337:Multicenter Studies as Topic; D009823:Ointment Bases / Q000009:adverse effects; D010476:Perfume / Q000009:adverse effects; D011208:Powders / Q000009:adverse effects; D011310:Preservatives, Pharmaceutical / Q000009:adverse effects; D012882:Skin Tests; D013849:Thimerosal / Q000009:adverse effects
chemical_list: D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D000935:Antifungal Agents; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents; D000998:Antiviral Agents; D003358:Cosmetics; D003836:Deodorants; D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D009823:Ointment Bases; D010476:Perfume; D011208:Powders; D011310:Preservatives, Pharmaceutical; D013849:Thimerosal