Treatment considerations

Abstract

The goal of treatment of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is to minimize associated morbidity and avoid complications. The mainstay of treatment of allergic contact dermatitis is topical corticosteroids. Topical corticosteroids (TCS) are the mainstay of treatment in patients with allergic contact dermatitis. Although paradoxical, patients can in fact develop allergic contact dermatitis to TCS themselves. The skin condition worsens after treatment with a TCS. Evaluation and management of the patients, like patients with other forms of allergic contact dermatitis, depends on patch testing. Topical corticosteroids remain the drug of choice for the initial treatment of uncomplicated ACD, there are several instances where the use of topical immunomodulators can offer an advantage over topical corticosteroids. Patients with a known allergy to commonly used topical medicaments for acne, rosacea, seborrhea, psoriasis, or actinic keratoses can be particularly challenging to treat. As with allergic contact dermatitis, avoidance of causal agents is a key in treatment of irritant contact dermatitis.