ABSTRACT
Cutaneous infections and infestations are common among children and adolescents. Ectoparasitic infestations affect individuals across the globe. Head lice, body lice, scabies, and infestations with bed bugs are seen in individuals who reside in both resource poor areas and in developed countries. Superficial cutaneous and mucosal candida infections occur throughout the life cycle. Dermatophyte infections of keratin-containing skin and skin structures result in tinea capitis (scalp), tinea corporis (body), tinea pedis (foot), and tinea unguium (nails). Less frequent endemic fungal infections such as blastomycosis, coccidiodomycosis, and histoplasmosis may present with skin findings. This article will describe the epidemiology and transmission of these conditions as well as their clinical manifestations. The approach to diagnosis will be addressed as well as primary prevention and current therapies.
Subject(s)
Dermatomycoses/diagnosis , Skin Diseases, Parasitic/diagnosis , Adolescent , Animals , Bedbugs , Candidiasis/diagnosis , Candidiasis/epidemiology , Candidiasis/therapy , Candidiasis, Cutaneous/diagnosis , Candidiasis, Cutaneous/epidemiology , Candidiasis, Cutaneous/therapy , Child , Dermatomycoses/epidemiology , Dermatomycoses/therapy , Humans , Lice Infestations/diagnosis , Lice Infestations/epidemiology , Lice Infestations/therapy , Onychomycosis/diagnosis , Onychomycosis/epidemiology , Onychomycosis/therapy , Pediculus , Scabies/diagnosis , Scabies/epidemiology , Scabies/therapy , Scalp Dermatoses/diagnosis , Scalp Dermatoses/epidemiology , Scalp Dermatoses/parasitology , Scalp Dermatoses/therapy , Skin/microbiology , Skin/parasitology , Skin/pathology , Skin Diseases, Parasitic/epidemiology , Skin Diseases, Parasitic/therapy , Tinea/diagnosis , Tinea/epidemiology , Tinea/therapy , Tinea Capitis/diagnosis , Tinea Capitis/epidemiology , Tinea Capitis/therapy , Tinea Pedis/diagnosis , Tinea Pedis/epidemiology , Tinea Pedis/therapyABSTRACT
The term latex allergy refers to a hypersensitivity to products containing natural rubber latex. Individuals with true latex allergy have developed type I (immediate) hypersensitivity due to previous sensitization and production of immunoglobulin E antibodies. Other forms of adverse reactions to latex-containing products may develop, including irritant contact dermatitis and type IV (delayed) hypersensitivity reactions, although they do not indicate true latex allergy. Several diagnostic tests are available to differentiate true latex allergy from irritant contact dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis. It is crucial to determine the type of hypersensitivity in patients labeled with "latex allergy" in order to establish the most effective treatment regimen.
Subject(s)
Dermatitis, Irritant/diagnosis , Latex Hypersensitivity/diagnosis , Diagnosis, Differential , HumansABSTRACT
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.
