First Aid, Chapter 7 Hypersensitivity Disorders, Contact Hypersensitivity Flashcards
What is the pathogenesis of contact hypersensitivity?
Contact hypersensitivity (CHS) is a type IV hypersensitivity that is mediated by CD4 and CD8 lymphocytes stimulated by epidermal antigenpresenting cells (Langerhans cells).
In contact hypersensitivity, how quickly does dermatitis develop upon reexposure if already sensitized?
12-18 hours.
What are common histologic features of contact dermatitis?
Lymphocytic infiltration and spongiosis.
What are the scores and final reads that correlate with them for patch testing?
- negative reaction ? or +/- doubtful reaction \+ weak reaction \++ strong reaction \+++ extreme reaction IR irritant reaction
What is the appearance of a doubtful reaction on patch testing?
Limited to faint macular erythema; use caution when interpreting, especially with less common allergens
What is the appearance of a weak reaction on patch testing?
Erythema and edema that is palpable with slight infiltration that occupies >50% of patch test site
What is the appearance of a strong reaction on patch testing?
Microvesicles and erythema that occupy at least 50% of patch test site.
What is the appearance of an extreme reaction on patch testing?
Confluent vesicles or bullae, ulcerative.
What is the appearance of an irritant reaction on patch testing?
- Mild: glazed appearance
- Moderate: follicular (pustular in atopics)
- Extreme: can be ulcerative
What is the mechanism of allergic contact dermatitis?
Characterized by an antigen-specific T–lymphocyte-mediated hypersensitivity reaction.
What is the percentage of different distributions of an allergic contact dermatitis?
Location: Hands 27%, generalized 18%, face 16%, eyelids 5%, trunk 5%, and feet 3%.
What is the crescendo phenomenon in patch reading? What type of contact dermatitis does it pertain to?
“Crescendo” phenomenon, where positive reactions to patch test become more marked between first and second readings in allergic contact dermatitis.
What is the typical symptom of allergic contact dermatitis?
Characterized by severe pruritus, reactions usually take 12–48 hours to develop.
What is the most prevalent form of contact dermatitis? What is the percentage that are this type?
Irritant contact dermatitis, 80%.
What is the mechanism of irritant contact dermatitis? Is prior sensitization required? Why or why not?
Irritants cause inflammation of the skin induced by chemicals, oxidants, or alkali, surfactants, and solvents that directly damage the skin. No previous sensitization is required; it reflects nonspecific toxicity of the antigen
What are typical symptoms of irritant contact dermatitis? What is typical in patch reading?
Characterized by stinging and less pruritic than ACD, reaction almost immediate. “Decrescendo” is typical as reactions tend to decrease in severity between readings.
What is photocontact dermatitis?
A photoallergic or phototoxic chemical requires light-induced excitation in the ultraviolet spectrum to cause dermatitis.
What are some photoallergic agents (require prior sensitization)?
Para-Aminobenzoic acid (PABA), chlorhexidine, thiourea, NSAIDs, thiazide diuretics, dapsone, and sulfonylureas.
What are some phototoxic agents (do not require prior sensitization)?
Psoralens, furocoumarins, tar, lime, celery, parsnip, tetracyclines, amiodarone, diuretics, quinine, and NSAIDs.
What are IgE-dependent agents that cause contact urticaria?
Dairy products, seafood, various fruits, grains, topical antibiotics, metals, preservatives, and plants
What are IgE-independent agents that cause contact urticaria?
Fragrances, arthropods, jellyfish, and coral.
What is the mechanism of contact urticaria?
Can be either immunologic or nonimmunologic
What are the ten most common contact allergens in the US?
- Nickel sulfate
- Neomycin
- Myroxylon pereirae (balsam of Peru)
- Fragrance mix
- Thimerosal
- Sodium gold thiosulfate
- Quaternium-15
- Formaldehyde
- Bacitracin
- Cobalt chloride
What are common metals that cause contact dermatitis?
- Potassium dichromate: Stainless steel, chrome plating other metals, and tanned leather
- Chromates: Textile, leather tanners, and construction workers using wet cement
- Cobalt dichloride: (Uncommon) dental implants, artificial joints, and engines or rockets
- Nickel: Nonoccupational exposure, jewelry; dimethylglyoxime test of nickel-containing material (pink = positive).
What is the most common form of allergic contact dermatitis?
Toxicodendron dermatitis (aka poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac) is the most common form of ACD.
What is the cause of allergic contact dermatitis to Toxicodendron (poison ivy/oak/sumac)?
It is caused by urushiol, an oleoresin that is found in the sap and oozes readily from any crushed part of the plant.
How long does it take for sensitivity to toxicodendron to occur? What percentage of the population will have a reaction to it? What percentage of the population will have a severe reaction to it? What are the symptoms of a severe reaction?
Sensitivity to Toxicodendron usually develops after several encounters with the plants, which, in some cases, may occur after many years of exposure. Studies suggest that ~85% of the population will develop a clinical reaction when exposed; however, 10–15% of the population is believed to be highly susceptible to poison ivy and poison oak. These people develop systemic symptoms, which include rashes with swelling of the face, arms, and genitalia.