Consort Allergic Contact Dermatitis: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Consort allergic contact dermatitis (CACD) develops following exposure to an allergen originating from another individual. The diagnosis is often not straightforward. We conducted a systematic review to characterize patient demographics, clinical features, consort types, responsible products, and associated allergens in CACD. A literature search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and CINAHL Complete from inception to July 2020. In total, 183 articles describing 261 patients with CACD were included. Mean age was 40.9 years with female predominance (62.8%). The most common body sites involved were the face (48.6%), hand (30.4%), arm (20.9%), neck (17.8%), and genitals (11.5%). The most common consorts were partners/spouses (50.0%, of which 29.9% were related to sexual activity), children (19.4%), and healthcare providers (7.8%). Allergens were mainly encountered via direct contact with consorts (80.5% of cases). A caregiver relationship was involved in 27.6% of cases, and the consort's occupation in 14.6%. The most frequently implicated products were medications (35.6%), plants/botanicals (11.7%), and fragrances (8.7%). Patch testing identified 125 unique allergens in CACD. CACD can occur in relation to many individuals encountered throughout life. Caregivers may represent a high-risk group for developing CACD. Obtaining a holistic history encompassing social, sexual, and occupational factors can aid in the diagnosis.

An Overview of Clinical Manifestations of Dermatological Disorders in Intensive Care Units: What Should Intensivists Be Aware of?

“…The priority is to identify and avoid the irritant that is causing the problem. Topical corticosteroids are an effective treatment that reduces inflammation quickly [ 174 ].…”

Evaluation of symptoms among above-wing uniformed airline employees.

“…Exposure can occur via direct contact with the individual, the air, or contaminated clothing or bedding. A systematic review of consort allergic contact dermatitis found that the most common associated materials were medications, plant material, fragrances, products related to sexual activity, and hair dyes; textiles were not mentioned [Lee et al 2022].…”