Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 28, 2026

A Mouse Ear Model for Allergic Contact Dermatitis Evaluation
Published on: March 24, 2023
[Tefillin-related contact dermatitis]
Philip J Hashkes1, Efraim Sagi
1hashkesp@szmc.org.il
Abstract:
We describe a 14 year-old male with a background of atopic dermatitis who developed a contact dermatitis reaction on the left arm to the leather straps of tefillin (phylacteries), a religious article worn by observant Jewish men from the age 13 years during most morning prayer services. Patch testing revealed contact allergy to potassium dichromate, a chemical involved in leather tanning. Placing the leather straps over clothing and later switching to potassium dichromate-free leather straps resolved the condition. It is important to recognize this uncommon phenomena in a population in which a large proportion regularly use this religious article.
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