Allergic Contact Dermatitis

Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is an inflammatory skin disease characterized by

erythema, edema, and vesiculation, which appear as delayed skin responses

following cutaneous exposure to allergenic chemicals. ACD is widespread, in part

because of the introduction of large numbers of new chemicals into themarketplace,

some of which ultimately turn out to be allergenic under use conditions. In addition,

older allergenic chemicals employed in occupational settings provide a continuing

source of ACD and are difficult to eliminate from the environment. Among the

documented allergens, medicaments and cosmetics contain preservatives and

fragrances (1-3); rubber, plastics, metals, epoxy resins, wood products, metal-

working fluids, printing chemicals, and others (4); and culinary and nonedible

plants are well-known sources (5).