Allergic contact dermatitis is a delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction mediated by hapten-specific T cells. Many cell types, inflammatory mediators and cytokines are involved in this reaction. Contact hypersensitivity is a self-limited reaction and can be regulated at different levels. Because it is known that disturbances in the immune system underpin the onset of depression and that antidepr...

Currently, the incidence of tattooing is on the rise compared to the past, especially among adolescents, and it leads to the urgency of monitoring the security status of tattooing centers, as well as to inform people about the risks of tattoo practice. In our clinical experience, 20% of tattooed patients presented adverse reactions, like allergic contact dermatitis, psoriasis with Koebner's phe...

BACKGROUND Thimerosal or merthiolate is used as an antiseptic and a preservative in topical medicaments, cosmetics, and vaccines. Thimerosal is known to cause delayed type hypersensitivity. However, there is argument about the clinical relevance and risk of using thimerosal-preserved products in thimerosal allergic individuals. OBJECTIVE Retrospective review of patch test results from the Ram...

Lavender oil is an essential oil obtained from lavender (Lavendula angustifolia). The main components linalool and linalyl acetate have been shown to autoxidize in contact with oxygen in the air, forming sensitizing hydroperoxides. Patients with suspected allergic contact dermatitis were consecutively patch-tested with oxidized lavender oil 6% pet., oxidized linalyl acetate 6% pet., and oxidize...

BACKGROUND The role of contact allergy in oral cavity disease processes is unknown. OBJECTIVE We sought to determine the prevalence of contact allergy to flavorings, preservatives, dental acrylates, medications, and metals in patients with oral disease. METHODS Patients were tested with an 85-item oral antigen screening series. Data were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS We evaluated 331 ...

Some medicinal plants, which are known to produce allergic reactions, are also specifically used as antiinflammatory agents. Among the more relevant plants, we report species with cinnamaldehyde, cinnamic alcohol, geraniol, hydroxycitronellal, eugenol and isoeugenol are all potential allergens. In addition, fragrances, which are mixtures of small-molecular-weight compounds, may induce allergic ...

BACKGROUND A new technique, cutaneous field stimulation (CFS), which activates electrically unmyelinated C-fibers, is used to treat localized itch. Its action is similar to that of capsaicin, the pungent agent in hot peppers, which enhances delayed allergic reactions. The aim of the study was to investigate how experimental contact dermatitis responds to CFS. METHODS Twelve patients with cont...

IMPORTANCE Contact allergy to methylisothiazolinone (MI) or to the combined formulation of methylchloroisothiazolinone and MI (MCI-MI) has increased significantly, with a frequency of as much as 11.1% in patients with dermatitis; however, few cohort studies in the US population have been reported. OBJECTIVE To investigate the prevalence of contact allergies to MI and MCI-MI and the outcomes o...

OBJECTIVE Because previous studies have found allergic contact sensitization common in children by 5 years of age, our aim was to determine the prevalence of positive epicutaneous test results in children <5 years of age and to determine whether sensitization to contact allergens was as common in infancy. METHODS We recruited 95 asymptomatic children 6 months to 5 years of age from well-child...