ABSTRACT
Atopic dermatitis (AD) and contact dermatitis are common eczematous disorders with different inflammatory mechanisms. Understanding the potential links between AD and contact dermatitis, and the parallel aspects of their pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment, can be helpful to clinicians caring for patients with these disorders. Immune mediators have been implicated in both AD and allergic contact dermatitis (ACD), i.e., antimicrobial peptides. Optimal treatment of irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) and ACD involves withdrawal or prevention of contact with the offending agent, including the use of protective barriers or complete avoidance of exposure. Patients with AD should undergo patch testing as needed if a diagnosis of concurrent ACD is suspected. AD, ICD, and ACD are all eczematous disorders that represent similar pathological states. Topical calcineurin inhibitors have also proven effective in the treatment of ACD, in both animal and human models.
