Contact dermatitis treated with new topical products: a case study

Contact dermatitis, an inflammatory response of the skin to an irritant or an allergen, can affect hospital staff. Most clinicians are routinely exposed to irritants such as latex, detergents, and chemicals. Treatment with topical corticosteroids and avoidance of suspect irritants usually resolves the dermatitis. A case study is presented of a licensed practical nurse who developed persistent contact dermatitis. The dermatitis did not resolve with 15 months of traditional treatments. Only after 3 months of treatment with two investigational topical products, which are now available to the public, was the dermatitis resolved and complete healing achieved. This case study discusses the new products and traditional treatment products used and presents results of irritant specificity testing and a series of photographs documenting resolution and healing.