Introduction

Abstract

If there is a pathological condition in which chemistry plays an especially important role, it is, without doubt, that of contact allergy. Chemical reactions and properties are pivotal in the biological process which results in the patient developing delayed contact hypersensitivity. To promote work in this field, the European Society of Contact Dermatitis formed a working party on the chemical basis of allergic contact dermatitis. Its remit includes chemical mechanisms in allergic contact dermatitis, prohaptens/skin metabolism of contact allergens and structure-activity relationships for contact allergens. This book was prepared by the members of this working party. Ultimately, the aim of this book is to provide clinicians, clinical scientists and toxicologists with a broad description and — it is hoped — understanding of the molecular basis of allergic contact dermatitis.