Contact Dermatitis
Aka: Contact Dermatitis, Prevention of Contact Dermatitis
II. Definition
- Inflammation of skin secondary to chemical contact
- Results in intracellular edema of Epidermis
III. Types
- Irritant Contact Dermatitis
- Accounts for 80% of Contact Dermatitis
- Allergic Contact Dermatitis
IV. Epidemiology
- Most common dermatologic diagnosis
- Prevalence: 1-10%
V. Symptoms
- Irritant Contact Dermatitis: “It stings”
- Allergic Contact Dermatitis: “It itches”
VI. Prevention (especially in occupational settings)
- Avoid organic solvent contact (Mineral Oil, thinner)
- Hypoallergenic skin cleansers (and consider Alcohol-based skin cleansers)
- Frequent use of Skin Lubricants (Emollients)
- Frequent clothing changes
- Immediately remove clothing soaked with chemicals
- Shower at least once daily
- Use gloves for wet tasks (e.g. washing)
- Wash work clothes seperate from other clothes at home
- Do not eat, drink or smoke in work area
- Consider alternative job duties
- Use cotton glove liners
- Topicals to prevent Irritant Contact Dermatitis
- High lipid content moisturizing cream
- Keri Lotion
- Petrolatum
- Coconut oil
- Barrier Creams
- Dermashield
- Dermofilm
- References
- High lipid content moisturizing cream
VII. Resources
- Haz-Map (Occupational Exposure Database)
VIII. References
- Habif (1996) Clinical Dermatology, p. 81-94
- Bebko (2016) Am Fam Physician 93(12): 1000-6 [PubMed]
- Lushniak (2000) Prim Care 27(4):895-916 [PubMed]
- Peate (2002) Am Fam Physician 66(6):1025-40 [PubMed]