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Allergic contact dermatitis - Anogenital in
See also in: Overview,Cellulitis DDx,External and Internal Eye,Hair and Scalp,Nail and Distal Digit,Oral Mucosal Lesion
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Allergic contact dermatitis - Anogenital in

See also in: Overview,Cellulitis DDx,External and Internal Eye,Hair and Scalp,Nail and Distal Digit,Oral Mucosal Lesion
Contributors: Shannon Wongvibulsin MD, PhD, Priyanka Vedak MD, Susan Burgin MD
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Synopsis

This summary discusses adult patients. Allergic contact dermatitis in children is addressed separately.

Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is a delayed-type (type IV) hypersensitivity reaction that occurs when allergens activate antigen-specific T cells in a sensitized individual. It typically requires repeated exposures before an allergic response is noted and most commonly occurs 24-48 hours after exposure to the offending agent.

ACD can occur in response to topical agents, systemic exposure via ingestion, or innocuous transfer of the culprit agent via the fingertips.

Use of soap, topical anesthetic agents, spermicides, rubber accelerators found in condoms, and topical steroids have all been reported to cause ACD in the genital area. Lipstick-induced penile dermatitis has not been reported but is noted as a theoretical concern for individuals sensitive to octyl gallate.

ACD can present as a systemic contact reaction with widespread lesions when the offending agent is ingested, present in an implanted device, or used in a manner that covers a large portion of the body (eg, body washes). Baboon syndrome (symmetric, sharply demarcated erythema of the gluteal or inguinal area as well as other intertriginous or flexural sites) has also been reported as a presentation of systemic ACD.

Passive transfer of poison ivy resin is also a cause of penile ACD.

Related topic: irritant contact dermatitis

Codes

ICD10CM:
L23.9 – Allergic contact dermatitis, unspecified cause

SNOMEDCT:
40275004 – Contact dermatitis

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References

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Last Reviewed:10/02/2024
Last Updated:10/03/2024
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Allergic contact dermatitis - Anogenital in
See also in: Overview,Cellulitis DDx,External and Internal Eye,Hair and Scalp,Nail and Distal Digit,Oral Mucosal Lesion
A medical illustration showing key findings of Allergic contact dermatitis : Erythema, Scaly plaque, Vesicle, Pruritus
Clinical image of Allergic contact dermatitis - imageId=1446. Click to open in gallery.  caption: 'A close-up of round and oval, pink plaques with scant scale.'
A close-up of round and oval, pink plaques with scant scale.
Copyright © 2024 VisualDx®. All rights reserved.