The ear-lobe sign: a helpful sign in facial contact dermatitis

The ear-lobe sign is seen in those who develop contact dermatitis to a substance applied with one hand to the skin of the face and neck. On the ipsilateral side of the face the ear-lobe is spared whereas on the contralateral side the ear-lobe is involved. The sign manifests because of the unique combination of the anatomy of the hand and the sweeping movement the hand makes during application.