ABSTRACT
Allergic contact dermatitis is the prototype clinical manifestation of a type IV delayed-type infl ammatory reaction arising from percutaneous contact with putative allergens. The clinical picture is usually a quite typical eczema that exhibits spreading and pruritus. Suspected contact dermatitis requires detailed evaluation of the patient’s history and a meticulous physical examination. A high index of suspicion and a relevant investigation is required. Reliable and sensitive animal test methods can identify contact allergens and are thus an invaluable tool for the prediction of contact allergenic properties for those substances that will be placed on the market as “new substances.”
