Contact dermatitis (CD) is a common health problem, which affects both men andwomen and accounts for 85-90% of all skin diseases. Two main types of contact dermatitiscan be distinguished, according to the pathophysiological mechanisms involved, i.e. allergicand irritant CD. Allergic CD (ACD) requires the activation of antigen specific (i.e. acquired)immunity leading to the development of effector T cells, which mediate skin inflammation[1,2].

Background: There is growing evidence of the impact of post-migration factors on the mental health of refugees. To date, few UK studies have been conducted. Aims: The study investigated the relationship between trauma, post-migration problems, social support and the mental health of refugees and asylum seekers. Methods: Refugees and asylum seekers (n = 47) were recruited mainly from clinical settings. Self-report measures of post-migration problems, mental health problems and social support were completed in an interview.

This study identifies two main narratives and subject positions adopted by refugee participants from the former Yugoslavia: 'the past is past' and 'the past is our strength.' It analyses the complexity implicit in these two narratives about the past. Although these narratives at first appear contradictory, the participants' stories illustrate the ways in which they co-operate for the development of mental health in refugees. The ongoing dialogue between the two narratives allows for the participants' endorsement of subject positions that refer to both individual and collective identities.