Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is a common skin disorder that occurs in susceptible individuals as a result of direct contact to the skin of a material which can be recognized by the immune system. These agents may be organic or inorganic. Fatalities and severe systemic complications are rare. Diagnosis requires discovery through history, physical examination, and patch testing of the offending agent. Avoidance of the causative agent is the treatment of choice.

Major categories of contact allergens include the following:
Plants
Food
Rubber products
Cosmetics
Pharmaceuticals
Clothing, Shoes, Jewelry
Cleaning products
Manufactoring