The role of contact allergy in atopic dermatitis.
Although allergic contact dermatitis (CD) was previously thought to occur less frequently in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD), more recent studies show that it is at least as common in patients with AD as in the general population, if not more so. Thus, patients with AD should be considered for patch testing (PT). Although conflicting data exist, the severity of the AD may impact the PT results. Furthermore, younger patients may yield more positive PT results. Hand eczema and compositae allergy are more common in atopic patients. Reassuringly, PT is positive for topical antiseptic and corticosteroids in only a small subset of patients. When personal products are patch tested, emollients should be included in the series.
Fonacier
Luz S
LS
Department of Internal Medicine, State University of New York at Stony Brook, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook, NY 11790, USA. lfonacier@winthrop.org
Aquino
Marcella R
MR
D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000009:adverse effects; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000276:immunology*; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D015995:Prevalence; D012882:Skin Tests
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local