Contact dermatitis, allergic

Disease/Syndrome
Contact dermatitis, allergic
Category
Skin Disease
Acute/Chronic
Subacute
Synonyms
Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD); Type IV delayed hypersensitivity; Cell-mediated hypersensitivity;
Biomedical References
Comments
Patch testing can be useful in distinguishing between allergic and irritant contact dermatitis. The distinction is important because patients with allergic contact dermatitis may not be able to return to their jobs, e.g., a tile layer who is allergic to chromates in cement. The concentration of the allergens used in patch testing is important because concentrations that are too high will cause false positives due to an irritant effect. [Rom, p. 625-6] "Allergic contact dermatitis from acrylic resins typically affects the fingertips." [Kanerva, p. 543] Most cases of work-related dermatitis are caused by irritants. For healthcare workers the major irritants are water, antiseptic soaps, and sweat from glove occlusion. [Kanerva, p. 969] See "Contact dermatitis, irritant."
Latency/Incubation
At least 4 days to become sensitized; May take years; [LaDou, p. 332] Once sensitized, the allergic contact dermatitis often begins 24-48 hours after exposure and may take 2 weeks to resolve. [Rosenstock, p. 707]
Diagnostic
Patch testing
ICD-9 Code
692.89
ICD-10 Code
L25.8; L23

Symptoms/Findings, Job Tasks, and Agents Linked to This Disease

Symptoms/Findings

Symptoms/Findings associated with this disease:

Job Tasks

High risk job tasks associated with this disease:

Agents

Hazardous agents that cause the occupational disease: