Irritant Contact Dermatitis - a Review

Irritant contact dermatitis is the most common form of contact dermatitis and the most common occupational skin disease. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the endogenous and exogenous factors that play a role in the pathogenesis of irritant contact dermatitis.

In conjunction with avoidance of irritants, barrier protection, and regular application of moisturizers, management now emphasizes the importance of primary prevention through educational initiatives in high-risk workplaces.

The diagnosis of irritant contact dermatitis is often difficult, as there is no confirmatory test, and it is often a default diagnosis after allergic contact dermatitis has been excluded. Early recognition, prevention, and treatment are vital in management, especially in the occupational setting.