Allergic contact dermatitis complicating pustular psoriasis in two patients

Allergic Contact Cell-Mediated Hypersensitivity in Psoriasis: A Narrative Minireview

The dysfunctionality of the protective skin barrier in psoriasis allows easier cutaneous penetration of various contact haptens; thus, such patients can develop allergic contact hypersensitivity as a comorbidity. Both skin conditions involve T-cell-mediated mechanisms. Dermatologists and allergists should consider assessing allergic contact cell-mediated hypersensitivity in selected psoriasis patients, especially those with palmoplantar psoriasis and who are refractory to topical treatments, and in patients with psoriasis, with or without arthritis, treated with biologics that present skin lesions clinically suggestive of contact dermatitis.

Psoriasis predisposition and occupational triggering factors in the appraisal of occupational medical expertises

BACKGROUND

Psoriasis is an immune-mediated disease with a genetic background. Local psoriatic changes can be triggered by exogenous mechanical or irritant factors. Causative occupational factors have to be distinguished from the spontaneous course of psoriasis in occupational medical evaluations. The objective of this work is to demonstrate the medico-legal grounds for a homogenous assessment.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The presented recommendations were developed in a working group for Occupational and Environmental Dermatology (ABD) and the German contact dermatitis group (DKG) of the German Dermatologic Society (DDG) based on the German medico-legal framework.

RESULTS

Causality between the insured activity and the appearance of psoriasis is a prerequisite for the recognition of the occupational nature of the disease. This is the case if the occupational activity is the exclusive or a legally essential contributing factor either for first manifestation or aggravation of the disease. A connection must be denied if everyday events are sufficient to trigger the psoriasis. From 1995 to 2010, 130 cases of psoriasis have been recognized as occupationally related by the German statutory accident insurance.

CONCLUSIONS

The appraisal of psoriatic disease in the occupational medical evaluation is subject to the case assessment of the expert witness. In this position paper we present recommendations for a homologous basis for diagnosis, causality assessment, estimation of reduction in earning capacity and rehabilitation of occupational psoriasis.

Prevalence and relevance of secondary contact sensitizers in subjects with psoriasis

Background:

Psoriasis may be complicated by contact dermatitis due to an impaired cutaneous barrier. Patch testing helps elucidate sensitizers if any.

Aims:

To determine the prevalence and relevance of secondary contact dermatitis in subjects with psoriasis.

Materials and Methods:

Patch testing with Indian Standard Series was done and readings interpreted after 48 and 96 hours.

Results:

Among 110 subjects 47 (42.7%) showed reactions to at least one antigen. Fifteen (13.6%) reacted to fragrance mix, 10 (9.1%) to nickel sulfate, seven (6.4%) to parthenium, and six (5.5%) to balsam of Peru. Palmoplantar psoriasis was the commonest type of psoriasis patch tested. Fragrance mix was the commonest antigen showing 100% current relevance as an aggravating factor of psoriasis. Cosmetics, beauty preparations, skin and healthcare products followed by topical medications were found to be the most common sources of the patch test positivity.

Conclusions:

Secondary contact dermatitis is common in patients with psoriasis. Patch testing is necessary to determine the triggering or aggravating antigens in these patients to avoid sensitizers and improve quality of life.