Regional Contact Dermatitis

Abstract

Except in cases of involvement of hands, if is usually possible to trace back from the initial site of the dermatitis to the causal agent. It is also possible that the dermatitis can take on characteristic clinico-morphologic aspects depending on the site affected. Contact dermatitis of the scalp most often affects the adjacent sites (forehead, eyelids, ear pavilions, neck) than the scalp, that can actually remain unaffected. Hair care products are the most common causative agents of scalp contact dermatitis. The face, neck, décolleté and back of hands are photoexposed areas and therefore the prime target of contact photodermatitis. The face, as well as the other airexposed sites (neck, scalp, hands) is also a classic site of airborne contact dermatitis. Facial contact dermatitis can also be due to substances in cosmetics. The ear pavilions, eyelids, neck, nose, and lips can be affected by contact allergy attributable to various causes. The most common cause of contact dermatitis in the axillary region are the fragrances in deodorants and antiperspirants. The main causes of contact dermatitis of the trunck are the nickel in brassiere straps, zippers and buttons; rubber in undergarments elastic and other clothing; fragrances in skin-care products. The hands are the most common site of contact dermatitis due to countless irritants and allergens. The most common causes of contact dermatitis of the legs are topical medications used for stasis dermatitis and stasis ulcers. Socks, shoes dyes, chromium in leather, and rubber shoes are the most frequent causal agents in contact dermatitis of the feet.