Acute Irritant Contact Dermatitis Research Articles

Clinicomorphological patterns in an outbreak of paederus dermatitis in patients attending rural tertiary care hospital

Background: Paederus dermatitis (PD) is an acute irritant contact dermatitis caused by beetles belonging to the genus ‘Paederus’. The study aims to describe the clinical and morphological patterns and epidemiology of PD. Methods: A descriptive study was done on 80 patients with PD attending DVL OPD in a tertiary care hospital for 6 months i.e.; from March to August 2023. A detailed clinical history was taken and local and systemic examinations were done. Results: The mean age of the patients was 24.8 years. The percentage of females affected was 61.25% and males was 38.75%. Peak cases were noted during May (32.5%) followed by August (17.5%). Out of 80 patients, 61 had erythematous plaques (76.25%) along with other types of lesions (mixed lesions), 8 had post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (10%), 5 had bullae (6.25%), 6 had erosions alone (7.5%). Out of 61 patients with erythematous plaques, 16 had vesicles and 15 had pustules. Common sites involved were face and neck (42.5%), trunk (35%), and upper extremity (30%), 51.2% of patients were sleeping with windows open, 73.7 % of patients complained of itching, 80% of patients were residing in areas with nearby vegetations. 60% of the patients affected were students residing at college hostels in rural areas with surrounding vegetation. Conclusions: PD can present in various forms and should be promptly differentiated from other conditions. Proper education of the general population and awareness about the paederus beetles should be given.

Aberrant HO-1/NQO1-Reactive Oxygen Species-ERK Signaling Pathway Contributes to Aggravation of TPA-Induced Irritant Contact Dermatitis in Nrf2-Deficient Mice.

NF-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a major transcription factor to protect cells against reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive toxicants. Meanwhile, Nrf2 can inhibit contact dermatitis through redox-dependent and -independent pathways. However, the underlying mechanisms of how Nrf2 mediates irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) are still unclear. In this article, we elucidated the role of Nrf2 in 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced acute ICD. Our study demonstrated that the ear thickness, redness, swelling, and neutrophil infiltration were significantly increased, accompanied by increased expression of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, etc.) and decreased expression of antioxidant genes (HO-1 and NQO1) in Nrf2 knockout mice. Moreover, ERK phosphorylation was elevated in mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) from Nrf2 knockout mouse. Inhibition of ERK significantly alleviated TPA-induced cutaneous inflammation and ROS accumulation in MEFs derived from mouse. Conversely, ROS scavenging inhibited the ERK activation and TPA-induced inflammation in MEFs. Taken together, the findings illustrate the key role of the Nrf2/ROS/ERK signaling pathway in TPA-induced acute ICD.

Topical Applications of a Novel Emollient Inhibit Inflammation in Murine Models of Acute Contact Dermatitis.

The benefits of emollients for eczematous dermatitis and psoriasis have been thought to be due to the improvements in epidermal function, including epidermal permeability barrier, stratum corneum hydration, and stratum corneum pH. We determined here whether emollient can direct inhibit cutaneous inflammation. Ear inflammation was induced by topical application of either 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) or 1-fluoro-2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB). Either 1% hydrocortisone cream or the novel emollient was applied to the right ear of the mice 45 min and 2 hours after TPA or DNFB application. The untreated left ear served as untreated controls. Both ear weight and ear thickness were measured 24 hours after TPA and DNFB application. Topical applications of either hydrocortisone cream or emollient significantly decreased both ear thickness and ear weight in comparison to untreated controls. In DNFB model, hydrocortisone significantly lowered expression levels of mRNA for IL-1α, IL-1β, and TNFα, while the emollient markedly decreased expression levels of IL-1α and TNFα mRNA. In TPA model, both hydrocortisone and emollient significantly decreased expression levels of IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNFα mRNA. In parallel, inflammatory infiltration was also reduced by topical applications of either hydrocortisone or emollient. These results demonstrate that this novel emollient can directly inhibit cutaneous inflammation in murine models of both acute irritant contact dermatitis and acute allergic contact dermatitis. However, whether this emollient could also alleviate eczematous dermatitis in humans remains to be explored.

Clinical Manifestations, Treatment, and Prevention of Acute Irritant Contact Dermatitis Caused by 2,4-Dichloro-5-Methylpyrimidine.

BackgroundThere are no reported cases of 2,4-dichloro-5-methylpyrimidine (DCP)–induced irritant contact dermatitis (ICD).ObjectiveThe aim of the study was to summarize the clinical features, treatment, and protective measures for DCP-induced ICD.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the clinical data from 64 patients with DCP-induced ICD and the protective measures in a DCP manufacturing factory.ResultsDisease onset occurred 1 to 10 minutes after DCP single exposure in all 64 patients. The contact site developed edematous erythematous skin lesions with clear boundaries. Other symptoms included a burning sensation (n = 48), pruritus (n = 16), headache (n = 4), nausea/vomiting (n = 3), and syncope (n = 1). Ten patients developed pruritic rash over the whole body 1 to 4 days after contacting DCP. Histopathologic examination of the lesions was performed in 8 patients; all 8 showed manifestations of ICD. A patch test with 1% DCP ethanol solution was performed in 7 patients. One patient withdrew because of pruritus and massive erythema over the whole body. Four patients had a strong reaction, and 2 patients had a very strong reaction. All patients were cured. Positive-pressure inflatable protective clothing protected workers from the outside environment to prevent DCP-induced ICD.Conclusions2,4-Dichloro-5-methylpyrimidine exposure induces acute ICD and a delayed allergic reaction in some patients (15.6%). Positive-pressure inflatable protective clothing prevents DCP-induced ICD.

Cariniana domestica fruit peels present topical anti-inflammatory efficacy in a mouse model of skin inflammation.

To investigate the topical anti-inflammatory activity of the crude extract of Cariniana domestica fruit peels (CdE), its dichloromethane, n-butanol, and ethyl acetate (EtAc) fractions, and steroids (β-sitosterol, lupeol, and stigmasterol) isolated from the EtAc fraction in models of irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) croton oil-induced in mice. We induced skin inflammation by single (acute; 1mg/ear) and multiple (chronic; 0.4mg/ear) croton oil application. We topically applied C. domestica (CdE, fractions, and gel formulations) and β-sitosterol, lupeol, and stigmasterol immediately after applying croton oil. HPLC-DAD chromatography of the EtAc fraction and stability of the gel formulations were verified. HPLC-DAD of the EtAc fraction revealed the stigmasterol, lupeol, and β-sitosterol presence. CdE and EtAc fraction gels showed no organoleptic or pH changes at room temperatures. CdE and dichloromethane, n-butanol, and EtAc (1mg/ear) fractions decreased the acute ear edema with maximum inhibition (Imax) of 97 ± 2, 86 ± 1, 81 ± 4, and 95 ± 2%, respectively. CdE and EtAc fraction gel presented similar effects, with respective Imax of 85 ± 6% (3%;15mg/ear) and 82 ± 2% (1%;15mg/ear). β-sitosterol (7.5μg/ear), lupeol (10μg/ear), and stigmasterol (5.7μg/ear) also reduced this parameter by 46 ± 8, 51 ± 7, and 62 ± 7%, respectively. All topical treatments reduced the inflammatory cells' infiltration in the acute ICD model. CdE reduced the ear edema by 77 ± 4% (1mg/ear) and the inflammatory cell infiltration in the chronic ICD model. CdE's anti-inflammatory effect was accompanied by a minimum development of adverse effects. C. domestica demonstrates a promising potential for the development of a topical anti-inflammatory agent. Graphical abstract Cariniana domestica, popularly known as jequitibá-roxo, presented topical anti-inflammatory activity in an acute and chronic irritant contact dermatitis croton oil-induced in mice. The crude extract (solutions and gel formulations) and different fractions obtained from fruit peels of C. domestica showed topical antiinflammatory activity on skin inflammation models with minimum adverse effects in preliminary toxicological studies (behavior and biochemical parameters). Moreover, the HPLC analysis revealed the presence of β-sitosterol, stigmasterol and lupeol, which also presented topical anti-inflammatory effect in the acute irritant contact dermatitis croton oil-induced. Our findings support the use of this species as a promising topical antiinflammatory agent.

Nasturtium officinale R. Br. effectively reduces the skin inflammation induced by croton oil via glucocorticoid receptor-dependent and NF-κB pathways without causing toxicological effects in mice

Ethnopharmacological relevanceInflammatory skin diseases treatments currently used cause adverse effects. Nasturtium officinale (watercress) is used popularly as an anti-inflammatory. However, until now, no study proved its effectiveness as a topical treatment to inflammatory skin diseases. The topical anti-inflammatory activity of N. officinale crude extract leaves (NoE) on an irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) model croton oil-induced in mice was investigated. Materials and methodsICD models were induced by a single (1 mg/ear; acute) or repeated (0.4 mg/ear; chronic; 9 days total) croton oil application. NoE and dexamethasone solutions’ (diluted in acetone; 20 μL/ear) or NoE gel, dexamethasone gel and base gel (15 mg/ear) were topically applied immediately after croton oil application. The NoE topical anti-inflammatory effect was evaluated for inflammatory parameters (ear edema, inflammatory cells infiltration, and inflammatory cytokines levels). NoE topical anti-inflammatory mechanism (NF-κB pathway and effect glucocorticoid-like) were assessed by western blot and ear edema analyses, respectively. UHPLC-MS/MS chromatography, gels accelerated stability and preliminary study of adverse effects was also performed. ResultsUHPLC-MS/MS of the NoE revealed the presence of coumaric acid, rutin, and ferulic acid. NoE gels stability study showed no relevant changes at low temperature. NoE, dexamethasone, NoE gel and dexamethasone gel inhibited the ear edema croton oil-induced by 82 ± 6% (1 mg/ear), 99 ± 1% (0.1 mg/ear), 81 ± 8% (3%) and 70 ± 6% (0.5%) for the acute model, and 49 ± 7% (1 mg/ear), 80 ± 4% (0.1 mg/ear), 41 ± 8% (3%) and 46 ± 14% (0.5%) for the chronic model, respectively. The same treatments also reduced the inflammatory cells infiltration by 62 ± 3% (1 mg/ear), 97 ± 2% (0.1 mg/ear), 60 ± 3% (3%) and 66 ± 6% (0.5%) for the acute model, respectively, and 25 ± 8% (1 mg/ear) to NoE and 83 ± 13% to dexamethasone to the chronic model. NoE and NoE gel reduced the pro-inflammatory cytokines levels (acute ICD model) by 62 ± 5% and 71 ± 3% (MIP-2) and 32 ± 3% and 44 ± 4% (IL-1β), while dexamethasone solution's and gel reduced by 79 ± 7% and 44 ± 4% to MIP-2 and 98 ± 2% and 83 ± 9% to IL-1β, respectively. NoE’ and dexamethasone’ solutions inhibited the reduction of IkB-α protein expression induced by croton oil by 100% and 80 ± 14%, respectively. Besides, the mifepristone (glucocorticoid receptor antagonist) pre-treatment prevented the topical anti-edematogenic effect of NoE’ and dexamethasone’ solutions by 61 ± 5% to NoE and 78 ± 16% to dexamethasone. The repeated topical application of NoE did not cause adverse effects. ConclusionOur results suggest the N. officinale use in the cutaneous inflammatory process treatment and demonstrate the NoE potential to develop a promising topical anti-inflammatory agent to treat inflammatory disorders.

English

INTRODUCTION: Paederus dermatitis is an acute irritant contact dermatitis caused by accidental crushing of an insect belonging to the genus Paederus. We came across an epidemic cluster of paederus dermatitits cases in our campus which prompted us to undertake this study to know its clinical manifestations, epidemiology and the most effective topical therapy. METHODS: The study included all clinically diagnosed cases of paederus dermatitis who were subjected to a thorough history and dermatological examination. Comparative assessment of efficacy of three commonly advised topical treatments was done by dividing patients into 3 age and sex matched groups: Group A (topical steroid), Group B (topical antibiotic) and Group C (topical steroid and antibiotic combination). All patients were followed up after 7 days, 15 days and 1month. Polythene bags were used to collect insect specimens and species identification was done. RESULTS: Students residing in various hostels accounted for 251 cases (60.19%) whereas inhabitants of villages accounted for 101 cases (24.22%). Majority of the cases occurred during the summer months of April (90 cases), May (131 cases) and June (72 cases). Moist surroundings, dense vegetations and paddy or sugarcane fields were noticed close to the residences of affected patients. Head and neck were the most commonly affected site (38.60%) followed by the upper extremity (24.40%).Group C patients who used a combination of topical steroid and antibiotic healed fastest with a mean duration of 8.4 days whereas Group A patients and Group B patients had a mean healing time of 12.9 days and 14.7 days respectively. Paederus extraneus and Paederus melampus were identified as the commonest species in this locality. CONCLUSION: We observed that topical steroid and antibiotic combination is more effective than topical steroid and topical antibiotic alone. Prevention of human-insect contact acts as a hindrance for the development of Paederus dermatitis which can be achieved by increased public awareness.

Severe acute irritant contact dermatitis presenting as exfoliative erythroderma

Severe acute irritant contact dermatitis presenting as exfoliative erythroderma

Topical Antihistamines Display Potent Anti-Inflammatory Activity Linked in Part to Enhanced Permeability Barrier Function

Systemic antagonists of the histamine type 1 and 2 receptors (H1/2r) are widely used as anti-pruritics and central sedatives, but demonstrate only modest anti-inflammatory activity. Because many inflammatory dermatoses result from defects in cutaneous barrier function, and because keratinocytes express both Hr1 and Hr2, we hypothesized that H1/2r antagonists might be more effective, if they were used topically to treat inflammatory dermatoses. Topical H1/2r antagonists additively enhanced permeability barrier homeostasis in normal mouse skin by: i) stimulation of epidermal differentiation, leading to thickened cornified envelopes; and ii) enhanced epidermal lipid synthesis and secretion. Since barrier homeostasis was enhanced to a comparable extent in mast cell-deficient mice, with no further improvement following application of topical H1/2r antagonists, H1/2r antagonists likely oppose mast cell-derived histamine. In four immunologically-diverse, murine disease models, characterized by either inflammation alone (acute irritant contact dermatitis, acute allergic contact dermatitis), or by prominent barrier abnormalities (subacute allergic contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis), topical H1/2r agonists aggravated, while H1/2r antagonists improved inflammation and/or barrier function. The apparent ability of topical H1r/2r antagonists to target epidermal H1/2r could translate into increased efficacy in the treatment of inflammatory dermatoses, likely due to decreased inflammation and enhanced barrier function. These results could shift current paradigms of antihistamine utilization from a predominantly-systemic to a topical approach.

Paederus Dermatitis Featuring Chronic Contact Dermatitis

Paederus dermatitis is a distinct variant of acute irritant contact dermatitis caused by mucocutaneous contact with the specific toxin of an insect belonging to the genus Paederus. It is characterized by the sudden onset of erythema and vesiculobullous lesions on exposed skin, with special predilection for the periorbital region. Paederus species have been mostly identified in Africa, Asia, Australia, and Central/South America. We report a 51-year-old woman who experienced 4 recurrences of periorbital erythema and edema in the previous year. No consistent etiology could be established at the beginning. Only after taking a detailed medical history was it discovered that 1 year before our examination, the patient had traveled to Kenya, where she had experienced contact with the insect. This fact led us to the diagnosis of Paederus dermatitis. After appropriate treatment, a complete regression was observed over a 3-week period.

Do‐it‐yourself cement work: the main cause of severe irritant contact dermatitis requiring hospitalization

There are myriads of potentially irritant agents causing acute irritant contact dermatitis. In the large majority of cases, dermatitis is mild to moderate, and patients do not need hospitalization. However, some agents or special circumstances may cause severe dermatitis requiring more intensive therapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate causative agents of severe acute irritant contact dermatitis requiring hospitalization. In this single-centre observational cohort study, we included 54 consecutive patients presenting with signs and symptoms of acute irritant contact dermatitis for which hospitalization was necessary. The severity of dermatitis was graded (grade I-IV) according to intensity, and details related to the skin irritation (irritant agent, area of exposure, time interval to onset of symptoms, and duration of hospitalization) were determined. All cases with severe ulcerative dermatitis (grade IV) were caused by wet cement, owing to prolonged skin contact. These cement burns are clearly associated with amateur work, younger age, male preponderance, and leg localization. The study data provide clear-cut evidence that wet cement is a severely irritant substance that regularly causes the most severe form of acute irritant contact dermatitis. The main causative prerequisite for these cement burns is do-it-yourself work with poor protective measures.

Chemicals inducing acute irritant contact dermatitis mobilize intracellular calcium in human keratinocytes

Intracellular Ca2+ increase is a common feature of multiple cellular pathways associated with receptor and channel activation, mediator secretion and gene regulation. We investigated the possibility of using this Ca2+ signal as a biomarker for a reaction to chemical irritants of normal human keratinocytes (NHK) in submerged primary cell culture. We tested 14 referenced chemical compounds classified as strong (seven), weak (four) or non- (three) irritants in acute irritant contact dermatitis. We found that the strong irritant compounds tested at 20–40mM induced an intracellular Ca2+ increase measurable by spectrofluorimetry in an automated test. Weak and non-irritant compounds however did not increase intracellular Ca2+ concentration. We further investigated the mechanisms by which the amine heptylamine, classified as a R34 corrosive compound, increases intracellular Ca2+. Heptylamine (20mM) induced an ATP release that persisted in the absence of intra- and extra-cellular Ca2+. In addition, we found that this ATP activates NHK purinergic receptors that subsequently cause the increase in intracellular Ca2+ from sarcoplasmic reticular stores. We conclude that measuring the intracellular Ca2+ concentration in NHK is a suitable and easy way of determining any potential reaction to soluble chemical compounds.

Topical Apigenin Alleviates Cutaneous Inflammation in Murine Models

Herbal medicines have been used in preventing and treating skin disorders for centuries. It has been demonstrated that systemic administration of chrysanthemum extract exhibits anti-inflammatory properties. However, whether topical applications of apigenin, a constituent of chrysanthemum extract, influence cutaneous inflammation is still unclear. In the present study, we first tested whether topical applications of apigenin alleviate cutaneous inflammation in murine models of acute dermatitis. The murine models of acute allergic contact dermatitis and acute irritant contact dermatitis were established by topical application of oxazolone and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (TPA), respectively. Inflammation was assessed in both dermatitis models by measuring ear thickness. Additionally, the effect of apigenin on stratum corneum function in a murine subacute allergic contact dermatitis model was assessed with an MPA5 physiology monitor. Our results demonstrate that topical applications of apigenin exhibit therapeutic effects in both acute irritant contact dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis models. Moreover, in comparison with the vehicle treatment, topical apigenin treatment significantly reduced transepidermal water loss, lowered skin surface pH, and increased stratum corneum hydration in a subacute murine allergic contact dermatitis model. Together, these results suggest that topical application of apigenin could provide an alternative regimen for the treatment of dermatitis.

Topical herbal extract (Huangdang mixture) exhibits both preventive and therapeutic effects in murine acute irritant contact dermatitis

Contact dermatitises, including allergic contact dermatitis and irritant contact dermatitis, are among the most common skin disorders in humans. Chinese herbal medicines (CHM) have been used in treating contact dermatitises for centuries. Systemic administration of CHM, including ingredients in huangdang mixture containing Chinese angelica, radix Paeonlae rubra, cat nut, and phelloden dron, rhizoma alismatis, rhizoma smilacis glabrae, and rhizome of swordlike, improves allergic contact dermatitis induced by l-fluoro-2,4-dinitrobenzene. Whether topical applications of these herbal extracts display preventive and/or therapeutic effects on contact dermatitis, thereby avoiding the potential side effects of systemic CHM, remains largely unknown. To determine whether this topical CHM extract exerts preventive and/or therapeutic effects, we assessed its efficacy in both allergic contact dermatitis and irritant contact dermatitis murine models. Allergic contact dermatitis and irritant contact dermatitis murine models were established by topical oxazolone and a phorbol ester (12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate; TPA), respectively. Ear thickness was assessed in both dermatitis models. Our results demonstrate that this topical CHM extract exhibits both therapeutic and preventive effects in acute irritant contact dermatitis but no demonstrable efficacy in murine allergic contact dermatitis. These results suggest that this topical CHM extract could provide an alternative regimen for the prevention and treatment of irritant contact dermatitis.

Acute bullous irritant contact dermatitis caused by EMLA® cream

Contact DermatitisVolume 65, Issue 3 p. 181-182 Acute bullous irritant contact dermatitis caused by EMLA® cream Nicolas Kluger, Corresponding Author Nicolas Kluger Service de Dermatologie, CHU de Montpellier, Université Montpellier I, FR-34295 Montpellier, Cedex 5, France Department of Dermatology, Allergology and Venereology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Helsinki, Skin and Allergy Hospital, Helsinki University Central Hospital, P.O. Box 160, FI-00029 Helsinki, FinlandNicolas Kluger, Department of Skin and Allergic Diseases, Skin and Allergy Hospital, Helsinki University Hospital, Meilahdentie 2, P. O. Box 160, FI-00029 Helsinki, Finland. Tel: +358 (0) 9 471 86475; Fax: +358 (0) 9 471 86561. E-mail: nicolaskluger@yahoo.frSearch for more papers by this authorNadia Raison-Peyron, Nadia Raison-Peyron Service de Dermatologie, CHU de Montpellier, Université Montpellier I, FR-34295 Montpellier, Cedex 5, FranceSearch for more papers by this authorCarine Michot, Carine Michot Cabinet de Dermatologie, FR-34070 Montpellier, FranceSearch for more papers by this authorBernard Guillot, Bernard Guillot Service de Dermatologie, CHU de Montpellier, Université Montpellier I, FR-34295 Montpellier, Cedex 5, FranceSearch for more papers by this authorDidier Bessis, Didier Bessis Service de Dermatologie, CHU de Montpellier, Université Montpellier I, FR-34295 Montpellier, Cedex 5, FranceSearch for more papers by this author Nicolas Kluger, Corresponding Author Nicolas Kluger Service de Dermatologie, CHU de Montpellier, Université Montpellier I, FR-34295 Montpellier, Cedex 5, France Department of Dermatology, Allergology and Venereology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Helsinki, Skin and Allergy Hospital, Helsinki University Central Hospital, P.O. Box 160, FI-00029 Helsinki, FinlandNicolas Kluger, Department of Skin and Allergic Diseases, Skin and Allergy Hospital, Helsinki University Hospital, Meilahdentie 2, P. O. Box 160, FI-00029 Helsinki, Finland. Tel: +358 (0) 9 471 86475; Fax: +358 (0) 9 471 86561. E-mail: nicolaskluger@yahoo.frSearch for more papers by this authorNadia Raison-Peyron, Nadia Raison-Peyron Service de Dermatologie, CHU de Montpellier, Université Montpellier I, FR-34295 Montpellier, Cedex 5, FranceSearch for more papers by this authorCarine Michot, Carine Michot Cabinet de Dermatologie, FR-34070 Montpellier, FranceSearch for more papers by this authorBernard Guillot, Bernard Guillot Service de Dermatologie, CHU de Montpellier, Université Montpellier I, FR-34295 Montpellier, Cedex 5, FranceSearch for more papers by this authorDidier Bessis, Didier Bessis Service de Dermatologie, CHU de Montpellier, Université Montpellier I, FR-34295 Montpellier, Cedex 5, FranceSearch for more papers by this author First published: 09 August 2011 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0536.2011.01944.xCitations: 15 None declared. Financial disclosure: None. Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat Citing Literature Volume65, Issue3September 2011Pages 181-182 RelatedInformation

Lyngbya dermatitis (toxic seaweed dermatitis)

Lyngbya dermatitis is an irritant contact dermatitis caused by the blue-green alga (or cyanobacterium), Lyngbya majuscula, commonly found in tropical and temperate waters worldwide. Lesions generally appear in a bathing suit distribution minutes to hours after exposure, initially with itching or burning, evolving into a blistering eruption which eventually desquamates leaving bright red, tender erosions that resolve spontaneously in about a week. Our case is of a 13-year-old female that presented with haphazard clusters of reddish-brown vesicles and papules on her abdomen one day after swimming in rough surf conditions on the shores of Oahu, Hawaii. Histopathological examination revealed an acute irritant contact dermatitis consistent with Lyngbya dermatitis. L. majuscule, with its wealth of biologically active compounds, should be a consideration in any patient presenting with an acute irritant contact dermatitis following temperate saltwater exposure.

A public danger induces common action: contact allergy epidemic to dimethylfumarate in Europe

The methyl ester form of fumaric acid named dimethylfumarate (DMF) is an effective mold and bacteria growth inhibitor. The irritating and sensitizing properties of topical monoethylfumarate and DMF have been described in animal models and healthy volunteers. At that time, itchy maculopapular rash and sensitization were described in occupational sites, pharmacy technicians and polymer industry workers. The strong sensitizing capacity of DMF has been demonstrated in humans. DMF was responsible for an ‘epidemic’ of contact dermatitis (CD) related to furniture, such as sofas and chairs, and to clothes, such as shoes, hats and jeans. Acute irritant CD, allergic CD, contact urticaria or lichenoid eruption were suffered by patients, even requiring urgent hospital admission. Most of them maintained painful skin even months after the episode. The responsible agent DMF was found mainly in the antimold sachets included in the textile gusset of sofas and shoe boxes of products manufactured in China. DMF 0.1%, in petr...

Embelin reduces cutaneous TNF-α level and ameliorates skin edema in acute and chronic model of skin inflammation in mice

Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) is known to play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of embelin on lipopolysachharide induced TNF-α production in mice and in human keratinocytes in vitro and also to study the effect of embelin on acute and chronic skin inflammation in mice. Production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-1β), activation of myeloperoxidase and histological assessment were examined in acute and chronic skin inflammation using 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced mouse ear edema. Embelin inhibited topical edema in the mouse ear, leading to substantial reductions in skin thickness and tissue weight, inflammatory cytokine production, neutrophil-mediated myeloperoxidase activity, and various histopathological indicators. Furthermore, embelin was effective at reducing inflammatory damage induced by chronic TPA exposure. Our data indicate that embelin has anti-inflammatory activities in both acute and chronic irritant contact dermatitis in vivo and this effect of embelin may be due, at least in part, to the inhibition of IL-1β and TNF-α and to the subsequent blockade of leukocyte accumulation.

Caustic Ulcers Caused by Cement Aqua: Report of a Case

Chromium is widely used in various industries including construction sector. Skin contact with cement has been associated with allergic or irritant contact dermatitis. Contact dermatitis is one of the most frequently reported health problems among construction workers. Irritant contact dermatitis from cement ranges from cement burns to cumulative irritant contact dermatitis. Cement burns are rarely reported and are considered a severe form of acute irritant contact dermatitis. They are associated with amateur user working in a short ready-mix time-frame with poor protective measures. They usually result in significant morbidity and initially are associated with minimal discomfort. We report a typical case.

Acute irritant contact dermatitis caused by Plantago major

Acute irritant contact dermatitis caused by <i>Plantago major</i>