Levels of arachidonic acid and its metabolites in the skin in human allergic and irritant contact dermatitis.

Increased concentrations of arachidonic acid and prostaglandin E2, but not 12-hydroxy-eicosatetraenoic acid, were found in the skin in human contact dermatitis due to nickel and chromate allergens. Significant levels of neutrophil chemokinetic activity, with similar properties to leukotriene B4, were found in a high proportion of exudates from inflamed skin treated with allergen but not in exudates from untreated skin. Neither arachidonic acid nor its metabolites were increased in primary irritant dermatitis due to benzylalkonium chloride.