Review of biologics in allergic contact dermatitis

Abstract

The resistant and recalcitrant nature of severe allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) makes its management challenging. With advances in the understanding of the cellular and molecular pathogenesis of ACD, newer therapeutic targets are becoming apparent. In particular, the use of biologics has gained momentum, given the specificity of their action. This article aims to review the presently available data on the use of biologics in ACD. English-language–based literature available on the use of biological therapy was thoroughly probed in the following databases as on October 14, 2019: PubMed, Google Scholar, The Cochrane library, Embase, Scopus, and EBSCO. The following keywords were used: “contact dermatitis”, “allergens”, “delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction”, “biologics”, “biological therapy”, “monoclonal antibodies”, “patch testing”, “TNF-α inhibitors”, “infliximab”, “adalimumab”, “etanercept”, “dupilumab”, “omalizumab”, “secukinumab”, “ustekinumab”, “rituximab”.