An Overview of Airborne Contact Dermatitis

Airborne contact dermatitis (ABCD) is a morphological diagnosis that include all acute or chronic dermatoses of the exposed parts of the body, which are caused by substances which are released into the air, and settle on the exposed skin. Present study highlights the common antigens, clinical manifestation, nature of allergens, pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of ABCD.

Acids and alkalis, metals and metallic salt powders, cement, industrial solvents, glass fibres, sewage sludge, ammonia, woods, plastics, rubbers and glues, vegetable, insecticides, pesticides, animal feed additives, and many plant products are common airborne irritants and allergens. The physical state of the airborne contactants can also be classified as volatile airborne contactants such as acids, alkalis, ammonia, and pesticides; droplets such as insecticides, perfumes, and hair sprays; powders such as aluminium, anhydrous calcium silicate, and metallic oxides; and particles such as tree sawing particles, wool, and plastics. The Compositae family is increasingly being recognized as the principal cause of plant contact dermatitis. In India, Parthenium dermatitis is the most common kind of airborne contact dermatitis. There is no scoring method in place to determine the severity of this chronic condition, which has a remitting and relapsing course and causes severe morbidity and quality of life impairment.

Although a skilled eye can easily make the diagnosis of ABCD, a treating dermatologist may find it challenging to identify the underlying cause and cure the resulting clinical condition through avoidance.