Allergic contact dermatitis

Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) in children is underrecognized. It is oft en confused with antibody-mediated allergies such as urticaria or allergic rhinitis, but the mechanism in ACD involves T lymphocytes and not antibody. Surprisingly, sensitization to common allergens is likely to occur in infa ncy. All contact allergens are weak allergens requiring repeated exposure o ver long periods of time. Detection of specific allergens is by epicutaneou s (patch) testing and will provide the basis for allergen avoidance therape utic strategies.