Treatment Of Allergic Contact Dermatitis Research Articles

The effect of astragalus on immunological function as studied in mice

Indirubin, isolated from Indigo naturalis (Apiaceae) is a purple 3,2- bisindole and a stable isomer of indigo. Although it is known to have anti-inflammatory activities, its mechanism of action has not been elucidated.Seven-week-old female BALB/c mice were sensitized with 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (DNCB) to induce skin inflammation. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was performed to assess epidermal and dermal hyperplasia, which were determined by measuring the thicknesses of the epidermis and dermis, respectively. We also evaluated serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels and cytokines production, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin (IL)-4, 6 and Interferon (IFN)-gamma. In addition, we investigated nuclear factor (NF)-κB, IκB-α and mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase activities for verifying the molecular mechanism of inflammation.Indirubin treatment suppressed skin inflammation in DNCB-exposed mice. The skin lesions were significantly thinner in the Indirubin-treated group than in untreated controls, and the hyperkeratosis disappeared. Indirubin reduced the total serum IgE level and cytokines production. In addition, it normalized NF-κB, IκB-α and MAP kinase expression.Indirubin might be a useful treatment for allergic contact dermatitis via regulating the co-expression of T helper (Th) 1 and 2 cell-mediated immune responses.

Contact dermatitis due to hydrocortisone ointment; report of a case of sensitivity to emulsifying agents in a hydrophilic ointment base.

The goal in the treatment of allergic contact dermatitis is to effect recovery of the patient in the time which it usually takes to recover from the eruption without therapy, or, if possible, sooner. Therefore, it is always distressing when a patient being treated for an allergic contact dermatitis develops a more severe eruption during therapy as a result of locally applied medicaments prescribed by the physician. Individuals sensitive to one substance are likely to react unfavorably to others. This is explained in part by cross-sensitivity phenomena,1and in part by the predisposing background of the individual.2Thus it is important that medicaments used for topical therapy be as nonsensitizing as possible. The index of sensitization of drugs applied topically is evaluated prior to their release for general use by prophetic patch testing3; however, the only real test for the sensitization index of a topical agent is