Tangled Truths: Unraveling the Link Between Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia and Allergic Contact Dermatitis.

Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) is an increasingly common diagnosis, especially in middle-aged women, and has garnered growing attention in the scientific literature. This variant of lichen planopilaris (LPP) is recognized as a progressive scarring alopecia affecting the frontal and temporal regions of the scalp as well as the eyebrows and occasionally other sites. Although its precise etiology remains elusive, various factors such as genetics, medications, hormonal influences, and environmental exposures-including specific chemicals present in sunscreens-have been implicated in its pathogenesis but without evidence of causality. The potential relationship between contact allergy and FFA has been explored, with some suggesting an increased prevalence of contact allergy among patients diagnosed with FFA. This article aims to explore the potential association between contact allergy and FFA, focusing on the current published literature and implicated allergens.

Tackling Acrylate Allergy: The Sticky Truth.

Acrylates are synthetic thermoplastic resins used in numerous industries since their discovery in the mid-19th century. Known for their versatility in formulating various consumer, health care, and industrial products, acrylates also have come under scrutiny for their potential to cause allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). Allergic contact dermatitis to acrylates previously was largely occupational in nature, but the expanded use of acrylates in products ranging from nail cosmetics to medical devices has increasingly brought this allergy to the general population. Herein, we discuss the chemistry and allergenicity of acrylates and highlight common sources of exposure, clinical presentations, pertinent considerations for patch testing, and tips for the management/prevention of acrylate ACD. We hope to emphasize the shifting trend of exposure sources from the workplace to consumers, underlining the need for increased vigilance from physicians. Collaborative efforts among health care providers and patient education about allergen avoidance strategies are essential to mitigate potential complications arising from acrylate sensitization.