Contact Dermatitis, Patch Testing, and Allergen Avoidance

Abstract

In patients presenting with a complaint of rash, contact dermatitis is often the underlying diagnosis making it an entity with which health care providers should be familiar. Contact dermatitis can be divided into irritant contact dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis. In a patient suspected of having allergic contact dermatitis, patch testing can be done to identify specific allergens. Education focused on allergen avoidance and safe products is an integral part of treatment for the contact dermatitis patient. Knowledge of the most common allergens is helpful for clinicians to be able to provide this education.

Figure 1

Acute contact dermatitis to poison ivy demonstrating erythema, vesiculation and crusting.

Figure 2

Chronic contact dermatitis to a preservative in shampoo demonstrating scaling and lichenification.

Figure 3

Allergen panels being placed on the back of a patient undergoing patch testing.