Airborne contact dermatitis: common causes in the USA

Abstract

Airborne contact dermatitis (ABCD) is an inflammatory reaction involving the skin upon exposure to allergenic agents or irritants suspended in air. In allergic ABCD, the hypersensitivity is classified as a type IV reaction. Substances responsible for such reactions can be of plant or non-plant origin. Commonly reported plants include those of the Compositae family, which includes ragweed, goldenrod, and sunflowers. Establishing an accurate diagnosis is critical for preventing exposure and improving symptoms in patients. Obtaining a detailed history and performing a physical examination to determine the sites of involvement, as well as patch testing to establish the causative allergen, are the main methods of arriving at the correct diagnosis. Treatment often involves avoidance of the allergens or irritants when possible and may also include the application of topical barrier creams or systemic therapy in more severe cases. This article reviews the topic of ABCD and highlights its most common etiologies in the USA.

Airborne contact dermatitis caused by fragrance diffusers in Uber cars

“…Nevertheless, actions may be taken by Uber drivers to reduce the risk of the development of ABCD, the most obvious of which is to stop using automotive air fresheners. Uber drivers and their clients may also apply barrier creams and emollients, and engage in frequent bathing to decrease the penetration of fragrance ingredients (4). While continuing to allow drivers to offer convenience products such as water bottles, mints and chargers to their clients, Uber should perhaps implement a fragrance-free policy to protect the health of its employees and clients.…”

Filtering performances of 20 protective fabrics against solid aerosols

“…All parameters remained unchanged between Equations (5) and (6) except for the introduction of the M layer thickness factor, Y, equal to 1.5 (ratio of the mean Z M,B and Z M,A values). By combining Equations (5) and (6), E Y can be expressed as:…”

“…[2] With or without SKs, some chemicals present as aerosols in workplaces can be harmful, such as causing contact dermatitis. [4] This is the case for aerosols made of metals [5,6] (beryllium, nickel, silver, mercury, gold) or glass fibers. [4,5] Beside the nature of the aerosols, their size can also be a major factor to consider when performing a risk assessment.…”

Airborne contact dermatitis apparently acquired as a result of using pericarp juice from an Indian marking nut as a home remedy to treat patchy hair loss

“…Contact dermatitis frequently results from direct contact with the sap, and by transmission through hand contact with distant sites such as the face and genitals. Airborne transmission is known to occur with urushiol‐containing Toxicodendron species . A patient has also been described who had suffered from several episodes of severely itchy facial skin lesions and periorbital oedema that developed after exposure to the fumes of marking nuts being boiled in pots by his neighbours …”

“…Airborne transmission is known to occur with urushiol-containing Toxicodendron species. 4 A patient has also been described who had suffered from several episodes of severely itchy facial skin lesions and periorbital oedema that developed after exposure to the fumes of marking nuts being boiled in pots by his neighbours. 5 Here, we present a patient who developed a diffuse eczematous reaction on the cheeks and eyelids, sparing the nose (the "beak" sign).…”