Treatment of irritant and allergic contact dermatitis

Dermatol Ther. 2004;17(4):334-40. doi: 10.1111/j.1396-0296.2004.04031.x.

Abstract

The treatment of contact dermatitis lies principally in the avoidance of the offending agent. In certain circumstances, avoidance protocols are insurmountable, and therapy is rendered to assuage the inflammatory component and its consequent objective and subjective findings. However, the options thereafter vary, as some patients will require continuous symptomatic therapy despite avoidance of the purported offending agent. This manuscript will review established treatment options for contact dermatitis, such as corticosteroids and dietary manipulation, as well as discuss some promising new therapies from the last decade, such as the immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory agents.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / therapeutic use*
  • Allergens / adverse effects
  • Biological Therapy / methods*
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / etiology
  • Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / physiopathology
  • Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / therapy*
  • Dermatitis, Irritant / etiology
  • Dermatitis, Irritant / physiopathology
  • Dermatitis, Irritant / therapy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Patch Tests
  • Primary Prevention
  • Prognosis
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Ultraviolet Therapy / methods*

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones
  • Allergens