Acute allergic contact dermatitis. How to manage severe cases.

An understanding of the causes and course of acute allergic contact dermatitis aids in recognition of this common problem. The most frequent cause is the Rhus group (poison ivy, oak, and sumac), and a large percentage of the US population is sensitized to this group of allergens. With severe cases, prompt administration of systemic corticosteroids alleviates discomfort and shortens the course of disease. Local treatment may give added relief. However, no treatment is as satisfactory as avoidance of contact.