ABSTRACT
In this chapter, monographs of 368 topical drugs and a monograph ‘Miscellaneous’ with 16 topical pharmaceuticals that have caused contact allergy/allergic contact dermatitis are presented. They have a standardized format, which is explained and detailed in Chapter 1.2. The topical drugs discussed here are shown in table 3.1.1. An overview of various aspects of allergic contact dermatitis from topical pharmaceuticals is provided in Chapter 2, discussing the spectrum of topical drugs, the prevalence of contact allergic reactions, predisposing factors, clinical picture of allergic contact dermatitis (classic and atypical manifestations), systemic allergic reactions from absorption of the drug through the skin and mucous membranes, pharmaceutical classes, the main sensitizers, diagnostic procedures and the commercial availability of topical drugs for patch testing. Corticosteroids are discussed in a separate section because of their quantitative importance and special and specific features.
