Contact Dermatitis (CD) is an altered state of skin reactivity induced by exposure to an external agent. a delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction that is elicited when the skin comes in contact with a chemical to which an individual has previously been sensitised. Patch testing remains the gold standard for diagnosing ACD. This study focuses on identifying the allergens causing ACD of hands and feet. METHOD Study was conducted in Osmania General Hospital, Hyderabad, over a period of 12 months'

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... uration. Patients suspected to have contact dermatitis were subjected to patch testing. Based on the history, clinical signs and symptoms, a total of 50 patients were shortlisted in 12 months' duration. RESULT Our study showed that the most common allergen showing patch test positivity in both males and females were metals like chromates followed by cosmetics and others. Patients showed significant improvement in their dermatitis after avoidance of the offending agent. CONCLUSION Patch test is the method of choice and the "gold standard" in the detection of contact allergy and allergic contact dermatitis.