Kontaktallergie und Fußekzem

Frequent elicitors of contact allergy are metals like nickel, fragrances, preservatives and rubber chemicals. Contact eczema of the feet may additionally be triggered by chromium released from leather - as chromium may be present from leather tanning - and by glues used during shoe fabrication. In addition adhesives on the basis of colophony or acrylates can cause allergic contact dermatitis. Foot eczema may also be part of atopic eczema, which however is recognizable due to other manifestations like eczema in the folds and signs of atopy. Differential diagnoses include irritative eczema, psoriasis and tinea pedum. The patch test is used to identify allergic contact sensitization and mycological diagnostics will exclude tinea. If the clinical picture is unclear, a biopsy is recommended. Topical and sometimes systemic anti-inflammatory substances are used to treat acute eczema, whereas avoidance of allergens or irritants together with basic treatment helps to maintain the disease free status.