Skin equivalents based on reconstituted human epidermis have been used recently to establish models for allergic/irritant contact dermatitis and cutaneous candidosis. In the present study the cytokine expression pattern and the morphological alterations in experimental cutaneous candidosis were investigated by RT-PCR and histological analysis. In experimental cutaneous C albicans infection the mRNA expression levels of interleukin (IL)-1a, IL-1beta, IL-8, GM-CSF, Exodus-2, tumour necrosis factor-alpha and PSL (P-selectin ligand) were upregulated. Cytokine profile and histological features of infected skin (separation of keratinocytes, oedema, vacuolisation) were comparable to that seen in experimental contact dermatitis. These immunomodulatory and morphological similarities might reflect a common pathogenesis factor in both diseases.