Contact Dermatitis: Clinical Pearls

Matthew J. Zirwas, MD

What do you need to know about contact dermatitis?

• Add 10 allergens to the TRUE Test to dramatically improve diagnostic accuracy

• Lip dermatitis is much more likely to be contact dermatitis if it extends beyond the vermillion border

• Shampoo and conditioner are a very common cause of eyelid dermatitis

• You can prepare allergens for patch testing 24 hours ahead of time, except two types: fragrance and acrylates

• You can patch test patients on prednisone

• Giving too much information about allergens is as bad as not giving enough

• Use videos to make patient education easier, faster, and more effective