Are barrier creams actually effective?

This article reviews the current information surrounding the efficacy of barrier creams as a protective measure against contact dermatitis. The principles of the proposed effects of barrier creams on the skin and the experimental and clinical data regarding their efficacy in the prevention of irritant and allergic contact dermatitis are discussed.

Delayed type hypersensitivity to intralesional triamcinolone acetonide

Corticosteroids are the most widely used class of drugs in dermatology. In the past, allergic contact dermatitis to topical corticosteriods was rarely reported. In this article, we present a case of delayed type hypersensitivity to triamcinolone acetonide.

Allergic contact and photoallergic contact dermatitis to plant and pesticide allergens

BACKGROUND

The panel of patch test allergens used for the evaluation of patients with suspected photoallergy typically does not include plant and pesticide allergens. The prevalence of allergic contact dermatitis and photoallergic contact dermatitis to plant and pesticide allergens was determined for this subgroup of patients.

OBSERVATION

Positive reactions were detected in 12 of 26 patients who were tested with our photoallergen series: 5 with allergic contact dermatitis, 5 with photoallergic contact dermatitis, and 2 with both. Four of the 12 patients had positive patch and photo-patch test reactions to plant allergens, pesticide allergens, or both. The positive patch test reactions were to the plants Taraxacum officinale (dandelion) and Tanacetum vulgare (tansy) and to the pesticides folpet and captafol. Positive photo-patch test reactions were to the pesticides folpet and captan. The histories of the patients suggested that 2 or 3 of the 4 patients had clinically relevant reactions. In the other 8 patients, positive reactions to the patch and photo-patch tests included fragrances, sunscreens, and antibacterial agents.

CONCLUSION

Plant and pesticide allergens should be included in the patch and photo-patch test series used for the evaluation of patients with suspected photoallergy.

Six-hour versus 48-hour patch testing with varying concentrations of potassium dichromate

This study examines the possibility of using patch contact times shorter in duration than the standard 48 hours. Using varying concentrations of potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7), this study analyzed results from two sets of patches applied to the backs of 11 subjects for durations of 6 and 48 hours, respectively. Results showed that after the 48-hour application period, all subjects reacted to K2Cr2O7 at some concentration. For the patches applied for 6 hours, 7 of the 11 subjects (64%) reacted to K2Cr2O7 at some concentration. Minimum elicitation thresholds (METs), the lowest concentration at which a reaction was observed, were established for both the 6-hour and 48-hour application times. The ratio of an individual's 6-hour MET to their 48-hour MET was calculated to evaluate the feasibility of patch testing with a higher concentration of an allergen for a shorter time period. Although the results clearly indicated that a higher concentration of allergen is required in order to elicit a reaction at 6 versus 48 hours, a fair amount of interindividual variability is exhibited by these 6-hour to 48-hour MET ratios. This observed variability would seem to preclude the use of 6-hour duration patch contact times for routine patch testing with K2Cr2O7.

What is new in clinical research in contact dermatitis

The field of cutaneous allergy has enjoyed dynamic research advances in epidemiology and clinical contact dermatitis. Studies regarding outcomes analysis, validity, predictive value, and sensitivity have allowed clinicians to better understand the importance of patch test results. In the clinical arena, new and clinically relevant allergens are being discovered, such as corticosteroids, metals, preservatives, surfactants, and glues. Continued epidemiologic surveillance of new allergens will enable manufacturers to develop safer products for patients to use.

Iatrogenic contact dermatitis to proparacaine: an ophthalmic topical anesthetic

Allergic contact dermatitis to a topical ophthalmic anesthetic, proparacaine, is reported in a patient with refractory glaucoma. His ophthalmologist routinely used a preparation containing this anesthetic, which is an uncommon sensitizer, for measuring the patient's intraocular pressure. That the patient did not apply the medication himself resulted in added difficulty in discovering the iatrogenically induced contact allergy. Avoidance of this anesthetic resulted in resolution of the patient's recurrent bouts of periocular dermatitis and conjunctivitis. The importance of testing patients suspected of having contact allergy to all medications to which they are exposed is emphasized.

Allergic contact dermatitis from color film developers: clinical and histologic features

We evaluated two patients with allergic contact dermatitis that resulted from exposure to color film developers. A lichenoid eruption developed in one patient, whereas an eruption more characteristic of an acute spongiotic dermatitis developed in the second patient. Histologic findings in the first case were those of a "lichenoid dermatitis" but with features distinct from classic lichen planus. The biopsy specimens from the second patient showed a subacute spongiotic process with a bandlike infiltrate suggestive of an evolving lichenoid process. Contact allergy to color developers may result in eruptions similar to lichen planus. This process appears to evolve from an acute spongiotic dermatitis in its early phase to a lichenoid dermatitis in fully developed and more chronic forms. Although the histologic features are those of a "lichenoid" dermatitis, some features, such as the presence of spongiosis, eosinophils, and a less intense inflammatory infiltrate, may enable distinction between lichenoid allergic contact dermatitis and true lichen planus. In addition, clinicopathologic correlation with patch test results should permit accurate diagnosis in most cases.

American Academy of Dermatology Patch Testing Survey: use and effectiveness of this procedure

The results of an American Academy of Dermatology (AAD)-sponsored survey on the use and effectiveness of patch testing are presented. Academy members' responses indicate that 27% do not patch test at all. Reasons given for not testing included (1) the patient history was adequate for diagnosis, (2) patch testing was too time-consuming, and (3) reimbursement was not sufficient. Dermatologists in residency training programs who responded to a similar survey are testing frequently and report a high degree of positivity and relevancy among tests applied. Recommendations are presented with a focus toward increasing interest in patch testing among the membership.

Alstroemeria. A new and potent allergen for florists

Alstroemeria (Peruvian or Inca lily) has found particular favor because of its beauty and durability. However, it may induce a dermatitis so severe that workers have to change jobs. The dermatitis is chronic, with fissuring at the tips of the fingers bilaterally. Itching is often a less prominent symptom. Preventative measures are of little benefit, and many floral shops are vanishing the plant.