Abstract
Antigenic stimulation is increasingly recognized as a cause of atopic dermatitis and psoriasis, as well as the cause of allergic contact dermatitis. Interaction between the cutaneous immune system and environment is dependent on many factors, including existing inflammation of the skin at the time of antigen presentation, the nature of antigen presented, genetically determined features of the host immune system, anatomical features of the skin at the site of antigen presentation and other environmental factors, such as ultraviolet light and psychological stress. These variables create a complex set of immunological responses that may include tolerance, antibody-mediated responses and cell-mediated responses. Scientific understanding of these variables allows insights into the pathogenesis of inflammatory skin diseases and will lead to new treatment options.