Contact dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is a common inflammatory skin disorder caused by exposure to various antigens and irritants. It is associated with significant morbidity, and it is one of the most common reasons for worker's compensation claims for skin disease. Based on the mechanism by which contact allergy develops, several types are recognized, including allergic contact dermatitis, irritant contact dermatitis, contact photo-dermatitis and contact urticaria. The clinical presentation of contact dermatitis, regardless of the mechanism, ranges from localized vesicles and bullae on erythematous skin in acute stages to erythematous lichenified plaques in chronic stages. Diagnosis is suggested by the localization of the eruption and the history of exposure to an offending agent. Treatment includes removal of the offending agent in conjunction with use of anti-inflammatory steroid creams, antihistamines and, in severe cases, oral corticosteroids.