The outcome of primary irritant hand dermatitis

Four hundred and sixty-two patients suffering from primary irritant hand dermatitis were sent postal questionnaires after 1-16 years regarding the outcome of their dermatitis. Two hundred and thirteen patients replied (a compliance rate of 46%). Of the 213 replies 188 were accepted for analysis, of whom only 58 (30.8%) had complete remission of their dermatitis, whilst 130 patients (69.2%) had continuous, or intermittent disease. Of sixty-four patients who changed their occupation only twenty-one (32.8%) had complete remission of their dermatitis as opposed to thirty-seven (29.8%) of 124 who continued their occupation after the diagnosis of primary irritant hand dermatitis was made. It would appear that the outcome of primary irritant hand dermatitis is not favourable, even after 10 years, and change of occupation has no significant effect.