We can define contact dermatitis as acute or chronic inflammation of the skin caused by exposure to chemical or physical agents. Contact dermatitis is an important der- matosis that accounts for more than 90% of all occupational skin diseases. Therefore, it negatively affects the quality of life and working efficiency. Curative treatment is to find the possible causative agent and eliminate it. In order to detect the causative agent, it is necessary to allocate time to the patients and to perform a detailed history, physical examination, patch test. However, the possible causative agent may not be de- tected.

Apart from allergic and irritant contact dermatitis, which are the two main types of contact dermatitis, subtypes such as early type reactions, photocontact dermatitis, sys- temic contact dermatitis, and non-eczematous contact dermatitis have also been de- scribed. Contact dermatitis is characterized by eczematous rashes of different stages, so it mimics various dermatological diseases such as dematophyte infections, cuta- neous lymphoma, drug eruptions, nutritional deficiencies. It is also important to make a differential diagnosis.

We believe that this book will be a reference source for many of the problems we will encounter in our dermatology practice related to contact dermatitis. This book also outlines diagnostic procedures and testing methods -including patch testing- as well as treatment considerations. Dermatologists, family physicians, medical students, and residents will find this an essential reference.

I would like to thank the authors, Türkiye Klinikleri and its staff, each of whom con- tributed to the preparation of this book, each more valuable than the other, and who increased the value of this book with their knowledge.

Prof. Dr. Suhan GÜNAŞTI TOPAL

Editor
Çukurova University Faculty of Medicine,
Department of Dermatology,
Adana, Türkiye