ABSTRACT
The face is widely exposed to the surrounding environment and is also a region that comes into frequent contact with the hands. The face is also the most common site of photocontact dermatitis. Facial contact dermatitis has a fairly well defined group of frequent offending allergens. The term aerosolized contact allergens should not be restricted to such things as animal dander, dust mites, and pollens. Aeroallergens are also sometimes contributors to a phototoxic or photoallergic reaction. Patients with aeroallergen-driven facial dermatitis frequently have an underlying atopy. Cosmetic-related dermatitis favors a bilateral facial distribution. A unilateral rash with patchy distribution along the mid-to-lower cheek of the lateral face is suggestive of a nickel or chromate allergy from cell phones. A bilateral rash on the upper cheek where the lower rims of eyewear potentially make contact with the skin is suggestive of an allergy to worn-out metal in eyewear.
