Ideally every patient with eczema should be patch tested and the importance of this investigation is now universally accepted. The simplicity of the technique belies its many pitfalls, the greatest being to lack the knowledge required to select the correct allergens and to interpret the results. The introduction, nearly 20 years ago, of the journal Contact Dermatitis greatly stimulated the reporting of the clinical side of contact dermatitis but a vast amount of laboratory work has also been published in other journals on the mechanisms and theory of these reactions. The literature on the subject is now quite vast and a comprehensive book on the clinical and research aspects of contact dermatitis has been sorely needed. This textbook was carefully planned to gather together what is known of the subject into a cohesive whole and it has succeeded admirably. It consists of 22 chapters written by 41 contributors, each selected for their special study of particular subjects. Every feature of contact dermatitis has been covered, beginning with its history and even concluding with the names and addresses of those worldwide who have a specific interest in the subject. The text is illustrated and well laid out; it has been broken up into clearly demarcated sections making it easy to read and its information readily accessible. One's own writing concentrates the mind but editing the texts of authors from so many different countries was a task of considerable proportions.

Accompanying CD-ROM includes "all clinical photographs and important diagrams"--p. [vii].

How to diagnose allergic contact dermatitis, perform and interpret patch tests, and select the best treatment options Written for a broad range of dermatologic professionals, Common Contact Allergens is a straightforward and useful guide that bridges the gap between detailed reference texts and basic handbooks on contact allergy, making it an ideal addition to general dermatology practices for practical use in the office. The first section of the book leads practitioners through the steps necessary to effectively and accurately perform patch testing. This covers basic immunological knowledge, various ways in which contact allergy can present, patch test techniques, and how to diagnose allergic contact dermatitis. Giving attention to all standard allergens, the second section offers an overview of the current literature on each, with detailed analysis on determining the clinical relevance of a positive patch test reaction. This convenient companion: Offers universally applicable guidance on when and how to perform patch testing, as well as how to interpret test reactions and arrive at accurate diagnoses Characterizes allergens from the Standard 'Baseline' Series, the International Series, and the T.R.U.E. Test Series Profiles allergens such as metals, fragrances, medicaments, rubber chemicals, plant chemicals, hair and clothing dyes, excipients, and resins Contains case reports, clinical images, patch test tips, and more Features color-coded exposure templates for easy consultation Provides key pointers on how to take patient histories and handle challenging cases Introduces new concepts such as 'microhistory' and 'microexamination' Allows access to online supplementary material featuring CAS numbers, toxicology, immunology, prevalence rates, chemical structures, additional case reports, and more Common Contact Allergens is a valuable reference tool for trainee and practicing general dermatologists, dermatology nurses, occupational health physicians, allergists, and other medical professionals with an interest in dermatology.

This book is intended as a manual and offers an essential tool for practicing and occupational dermatologists, for postgraduates training in dermatology and allergo-immunology, and for allergologists and occupational physicians. Moreover, the authors include information from the world literature, addressing the needs of those who work in industrial fields and are concerned about the dermatological safety of products. The book provides a handy update on this complex, rapidly evolving research area, and in particular, an in-depth analysis of its clinical aspects. It will enable dermatologists to recognize the various clinical manifestations of the condition, make a prompt diagnosis and choose the most effective treatment. Contact dermatitis, a vast and fascinating field of study, has a high frequency of occurrence worldwide in both children and adults of both sexes, and during their daily routine, dermatologists invariably encounter many patients with this disease. To ensure the proper management of these patients it is necessary first of all to formulate a clinical diagnosis on accurate morphological grounds, since it is the most clinically polymorphic disease in dermatology and hence very demanding in terms of differential diagnosis. Then, to achieve properly targeted prevention for each patient, it is essential to isolate the causes among the numerous etiological chemical agents present in both working and leisure time activities and environments. The aim of this book is therefore two-fold: firstly to provide information on the various clinical features of contact dermatitis and review their differential diagnosis, and secondly to provide a comprehensive etiological overview. Particular attention has been paid to the methodologies and importance of patch tests and other diagnostic tools, as well as to the principles of prognosis, treatment and rehabilitation, together with considerations on some preventive aspects underlying contact dermatitis. A wealth of color clinical images, as well as tables and explanatory diagrams, round out the book.

Atopic dermatitis or atopic eczema is an extremely common skin disease characterized by red patches, dry, scaling or crusting skin, and intense itch. It frequently develops in children during the first year of life and can become severe, with a consequently major impact on health-related quality of life. This text from international experts draws t

Monographs in Contact Allergy, Volume 1: Non-Fragrance Allergens in Cosmetics (Part 1 and Part 2) is the first 2-part volume in an exciting series on contact allergy. It presents over 500 natural or synthetic chemicals and compounds which have caused allergic contact dermatitis in cosmetic products. Included here are INCI names, synonyms, description/definition, CAS and EU numbers, chemical class, function in cosmetics, molecular formula, structural formula and advice on patch tests. A full literature review is given of patch testing in patients, case reports of cosmetic allergic contact dermatitis, irritant contact dermatitis, photosensitivity, immediate contact reactions and systemic side effects. This text is suitable for anyone with an interest in contact allergy, from university students to professionals, and all readers will find this informative and detailed series an invaluable resource. Key Features: Monographs of all known non-fragrance chemicals and substances which have caused allergic contact dermatitis from their presence in cosmetic products Provides lists of all functional groups (such as antioxidants, preservatives, artificial nail building, emollients, hair dyeing, hair colorants) in both the EU and US formats and all chemicals in these groups which have caused cosmetic allergy Presents an alphabetical list of all synonyms indicating their INCI names Reported cross-reactions, pseudo-cross-reactions and co-reactions, patch test sensitization and presence in cosmetic products (including data from FDA’s Voluntary Cosmetic Registration Program) and chemical analyses are discussed Covers an extensive amount of information to benefit dermatologists, allergists, and non-medical professionals involved with the research, development and marketing of cosmetic products

The current state of knowledge on this increasingly important subject is beautifully described in this, the first truly comprehensive text of allergic diseases affecting the major veterinary species. It will be an invaluable guide to students, clinicians and researchers alike. From the Foreword by Professor Richard Halliwell, MS, PhD, VetMB, MRCVS, Dip ACVD Veterinary Allergy is the first comprehensive, high quality reference dealing with all aspects of veterinary allergy in all species and all body systems involved with allergy. Providing solid breadth and excellent depth of coverage, it deals with the immunopathology of the various allergic conditions as well as with clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment of veterinary allergic diseases. Key features: Broad species coverage, organised by sections on dogs, cats, horses, and other domestic species including large animals, birds and small mammals Provides details on diseases affecting the skin, respiratory tract and gut Contains practical information for clinicians on management of allergic diseases Includes fully-referenced high level detail suitable for specialists and researchers Focused on evidence-based medicine and science The editors have extensive experience and are respected as world-wide experts in the field Every chapter is written by an expert in that particular topic Anyone seeking information and references on any aspect of allergic conditions in any species should find this book helpful. The book will be of interest to clinicians in first opinion practice, specialists in veterinary dermatology, gastroenterology, internal medicine, and immunology as well as specialists-in-training in those fields and veterinary students. The focus on underlying principles and practical clinical aspects is admirable. Immediately useful for practical utilization by practicing clinicians. Dr. Andrew Mackin BSc BVMS MVS DVSc FACVSc DSAM, Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Professor and Service Chief, Small Animal Internal Medicine, Dr. Hugh G. Ward Endowed Chair of Small Animal Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, USA