Allergic Contact Dermatitis Lecture Notes

This collection of flashcards covers key concepts and terms related to Allergic Contact Dermatitis, focusing on definitions and important aspects of diagnosis, treatment, and epidemiology.

Allergic Contact Dermatitis (ACD)

A pruritic, eczematous reaction caused by a delayed-type hypersensitivity response to external agents.

Patch Testing

A diagnostic procedure used to identify specific allergens responsible for contact dermatitis.

Epidemiology of ACD

ACD can affect individuals of any age, race, or sex and is influenced by exposure patterns.

Irritant Contact Dermatitis (ICD)

A type of contact dermatitis that accounts for approximately 80% of cases, distinct from ACD.

Methylisothiazolinone (MI)

A common allergen used as a preservative, increasingly linked to allergic contact dermatitis.

Nickel Allergy

A prevalent cause of allergic contact dermatitis, often associated with jewelry and personal items.

Immediate Hypersensitivity

A fast reaction type which can coexist with delayed hypersensitivity seen in ACD.

Systemic Contact Dermatitis

A reaction that occurs from systemic exposure to a previously sensitized allergen.

Fragrance Mix

A combination of common allergens used in products that can provoke ACD, often tested in patch testing.

Differential Diagnosis

The process of distinguishing ACD from other dermatitis types, such as atopic dermatitis or stasis dermatitis.

Clinical Presentation of ACD

Typically well-demarcated pruritic eczematous eruptions that may be acute or chronic.

Cutaneous Examination

An important component in diagnosing ACD, involving inspection of the skin and patient history.

Chronic ACD

Long-term exposure leading to skin changes, often with lichenification or scaly plaques.

Treatment of ACD

Primarily involves identification and avoidance of allergens, complemented by corticosteroid use.