What is the relationship between exposure to sensitizers and ACD?
Not all patients will become sensitized to allergens. There is a genetic factor playing here as discussed above. Patients require T cells that recognize the allergen and this appears to be genetically determined. The presence of dermatitis of any type, as discussed, will increase ones chances of becoming sensitized. There is only one mechanism of sensitization. It is a Type IV hypersensitivity reaction. b. Can there be a delay between exposure and the onset of the dermatitis? Yes, this was answered in the Natural history section. It depends on the clinical type but in general for both ICD and ACD there can be a long delay before the onset of dermatitis. This is not seen in acute ICD which is more similar to a chemical burn. c. What is the relationship to latex? Allergens presented to the body can result in one of four hypersensitivity reactions discussed above. Latex allergen results in a Type 1 immediate hypersensitivity reaction which is mediated by antibody IgE. The resulting clinic
