Housed within Mercer Allergy & Pulmonary Associates is The Center for Occupational & Allergic Contact Dermatitis.
Contact dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin that occurs with contact to an allergen/irritant, often with a product or products that you are repeatedly exposed to in the home and/or occupational setting. The most common product triggers include metal (nickel, cobalt, potassium dichromate), preservatives (methyldibromoglutaronitrile, iodopropynyl butylcarbamate), fragrance, food additives/bakery items, dyes, detergents, cosmetics, or industrial products.
To assist in the identification of the “culprit” allergen(s), a procedure known as patch testing is performed by The Center for Allergic & Occupational Contact Dermatitis staff. Patch testing is a reliable and easy test designed to assist in identifying the culprit allergen(s) using a sticker or patch that is placed on the patient’s back. The initial reading occurs at 48 hours and the final reading occurs at 168 hours (seven days). Avoidance of the culprit allergens usually provides long-lasting symptom resolution.
The Center for Allergic & Occupational Contact Dermatitis houses over 500 allergens with specialized trays designed to evaluate symptoms secondary to antibiotics, corticosteroids (steroid), eye medicaments, local anesthetics, medicinal substances, dye colorants, emulsifiers, food additives, bakery items, metal compounds, plants, perfumes/flavors, plastics/glues, rubber chemicals, cosmetics, cooling lubricants (metal workers), dental screening (patients), dental screening (technicians/healthcare providers), eyelid dermatitis, footwear, hairdressing, leg ulcer, metal implants (dental, orthopedic, gynecologic, cardiac, and vascular), photoallergens, photochemicals, and sunscreens.
Contact dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin that occurs with contact to an allergen/irritant, often with a product or products that you are repeatedly exposed to in the home and/or occupational setting. The most common product triggers include metal (nickel, cobalt, potassium dichromate), preservatives (methyldibromoglutaronitrile, iodopropynyl butylcarbamate), fragrance, food additives/bakery items, dyes, detergents, cosmetics, or industrial products.
To assist in the identification of the “culprit” allergen(s), a procedure known as patch testing is performed by The Center for Allergic & Occupational Contact Dermatitis staff. Patch testing is a reliable and easy test designed to assist in identifying the culprit allergen(s) using a sticker or patch that is placed on the patient’s back. The initial reading occurs at 48 hours and the final reading occurs at 168 hours (seven days). Avoidance of the culprit allergens usually provides long-lasting symptom resolution.
The Center for Allergic & Occupational Contact Dermatitis houses over 500 allergens with specialized trays designed to evaluate symptoms secondary to antibiotics, corticosteroids (steroid), eye medicaments, local anesthetics, medicinal substances, dye colorants, emulsifiers, food additives, bakery items, metal compounds, plants, perfumes/flavors, plastics/glues, rubber chemicals, cosmetics, cooling lubricants (metal workers), dental screening (patients), dental screening (technicians/healthcare providers), eyelid dermatitis, footwear, hairdressing, leg ulcer, metal implants (dental, orthopedic, gynecologic, cardiac, and vascular), photoallergens, photochemicals, and sunscreens.
Informational Resources for Contact Dermatitis Patients
Poinsettias and Contact Dermatitis: http://www.sunherald.com/2014/11/27/5939141_pretty-poinsettias-make-ideal.html?sp=/99/160/&rh=1
Information provided by the Mayo Clinic on Contact Dermatitis: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/contact-dermatitis/basics/definition/con-20032048
Photos of various kinds of Contact Dermatitis (Mayo Clinic): http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dermatitis-eczema/multimedia/dermatitis/sls-20076203?s=1
Women and Nickel Sensitivity. http://www.bordentowncurrent.com/2014/09/29/47371/women-more-likely-to-experience-nickel-sensitivity
The NY Times on Nickel Allergies: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/21/technology/personaltech/nickel-allergies-on-rise-as-devices-meet-skin.html
General Contact Dermatitis Info with Video: http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Eczema-%28contact-dermatitis%29/Pages/Introduction.aspx
Example of Contact Dermatitis Caused by Improper Product Use: http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/highschools/springbrook-football-parents-fuming-after-misused-disinfectant-causes-player-burns/2014/09/23/57d7468e-4337-11e4-b47c-f5889e061e5f_story.html?hpid=z5
Celiac Disease with Contact Dermatitis-like Symptoms: http://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/story/life/wellness/2014/10/05/ann-byrne-skin-celiac/16652809/
Information provided by the Mayo Clinic on Contact Dermatitis: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/contact-dermatitis/basics/definition/con-20032048
Photos of various kinds of Contact Dermatitis (Mayo Clinic): http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dermatitis-eczema/multimedia/dermatitis/sls-20076203?s=1
Women and Nickel Sensitivity. http://www.bordentowncurrent.com/2014/09/29/47371/women-more-likely-to-experience-nickel-sensitivity
The NY Times on Nickel Allergies: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/21/technology/personaltech/nickel-allergies-on-rise-as-devices-meet-skin.html
General Contact Dermatitis Info with Video: http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Eczema-%28contact-dermatitis%29/Pages/Introduction.aspx
Example of Contact Dermatitis Caused by Improper Product Use: http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/highschools/springbrook-football-parents-fuming-after-misused-disinfectant-causes-player-burns/2014/09/23/57d7468e-4337-11e4-b47c-f5889e061e5f_story.html?hpid=z5
Celiac Disease with Contact Dermatitis-like Symptoms: http://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/story/life/wellness/2014/10/05/ann-byrne-skin-celiac/16652809/
