Factors and mechanisms of action of occupational contact allergies

Contact allergy is an inflammatory skin disease caused by contact with allergen-containing products and agents. The disease is favored by tissue damaging or irritating effects, which act as a danger signal for the immune system. The basic pathomechanisms are discussed, and epidemiological studies are presented with the aim to deepen the knowledge of these pathomechanisms in humans. For this purpose, genetic polymorphisms that can influence the formation of antigenic protein adducts as well as polymorphisms in genes coding for inflammatory messengers have been investigated. With in-depth knowledge, it would be possible to optimize prevention strategies.