Clinical update on contact allergy.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this article is to review recent findings in contact allergy, regarding clinical research.


RESULTS
The biocide methyldibromo glutaronitrile was identified to be an important sensitizer. Subsequently, it was banned from leave-on cosmetics in the European Union. Another group of important allergens that have been studied extensively included the fragrances oak moss absolute, isoeugenol, hydroxyisohexyl 3-cyclohexene carboxaldehyde and farnesol. A new fragrance mix II has been developed for standard testing, which includes the two latter compounds. Dose response studies have demonstrated broad individual variation of elicitation thresholds, dependent on the allergen concentration during induction, and other factors. Some unsuspected routes of exposure to allergens include oral, inhalational, connubial or airborne contact. Experimental studies provide a classification of newly introduced chemicals; increasingly, the local lymph node assay is supplementing and potentially replacing the guinea pig maximization test. Recent advances in occupational contact allergy include, for example, some attempts to improve diagnostics for epoxy resin and other plastic, glue, and cutting fluid components.


CONCLUSIONS
Constant awareness for new allergens, confirmed by critical evaluation, standardization of patch test materials, and the identification of temporal patterns and subgroups at risk will improve both the diagnosis and prevention of allergic contact dermatitis.
Uter
Wolfgang
W
Department of Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany. wolfgang.uter@rzmail.uni-erlangen.de
Johansen
Jeanne Duus
JD
Orton
David I
DI
Frosch
Peter J
PJ
Schnuch
Axel
A
D000485:Allergens / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000818:Animals; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D004198:Disease Susceptibility; D006801:Humans; D007114:Immunization; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects
D000485:Allergens