Allergic skin disease, a multidisciplinary approach

This state-of-the-science reference provides valuable information on the pathophysiology and economic and social consequences of allergic skin reactions, as well as new treatments based on emerging concepts of skin disease pathobiology - addressing the epidemiology, mechanisms, occupational effects, environmental triggers, and quality-of-life concerns. Written by more than 35 leading researchers, Allergic Skin Disease reviews basic principles of the causes of allergic skin responses...analyzes the role of key cell types, effector molecules, cytokines, mediators, chemokines, cell adhesion molecules, and immunogenetic mechanisms ... showcases the dynamics of adhesion molecules and the pathophysiology of pruritus ... examines clinical features of skin allergies, particularly regarding immune mechanisms that determine pathogenic course and outcome ... investigates behaviors of keratinocytes, dendritic cells and macrophages, fibroblasts, lymphocytes, granulocytes, and endothelial cells ... explores phototherapy, photochemotherapy, immunomodulatory therapy, and traditional antiinflammatory therapy for recalcitrant skin diseases ... discusses anaphylaxis and other allergic reactions to insect bites ... surveys demographism, vibratory angioedema, and other types of urticaria ... identifies allergic and infectious triggers of skin disease ... and more.

Preface. Contributors. GENERAL PRINCIPLES. Epidemiology and Socioeconomic Impact of Allergie Skin Diseases. Economic Evaluations in Allergic Skin Diseases. Molecular Mechanisms of Allergic Skin Responses. Cellular Mechanisms of Allergic Skin Responses. Adhesion Molecules and Their Role in Allergic Skin Diseases. Pathophysiology of Pruritus. SPECIFIC ALLERGIC SKIN DISEASES. Atopic Dermatitis. Urticaria and Angioedema. The Physical Urticarias. Immunology of Allergic Contact Dermatitis. Chronic Actinic Dermatitis. Latex Allergy. Reactions to Stinging and Biting Insects. Cutaneous Vasculitis. Drug-induced Cutaneous Reactions. Mastocytosis. Pathophysiology and Management of "Sensitive Skin". MANAGEMENT OF ALLERGIC SKIN DISEASE. Differential Diagnosis of Allergic Skin Disease. Assessing Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Allergic Skin Diseases. Evaluation of Allergic Contact Dermatitis. Role of Food Allergens. Role of Inhalant Allergens in Atopic Dermatitis. The Atopy Patch Test : Its Role in the Evaluation and Management of Atopic Eczema. Role of Infection. Identifying the Causes of Urticaria. Antihistamines (H1- and H2-Receptor Antagonists) in Skin Disease. Topical Treatment of Allergic Skin Disorders. Pharmacotherapy. Index. About the Editors