Irritant contact dermatitis

New Zealand Dermatalogical Society Incorporated. Published online at: http://www.dermnetnz.org

Many household and industrial products have to the potential to irritate the skin. Irritant contact dermatitis is not an allergic reaction and can therefore affect anyone, not just those with eczema. Hands are most commonly affected and the rash may be more prominent under rings where the irritant has not been washed off.

There are a number of common substances, and as a result, a number of professions in which irritant contact dermatitis may be seen.¹⁰

Common causes

Soaps
Detergents
Food stuffs
Shampoos
Oils, grease and petrol

Commonly affected professions

Hairdressers
Nurses
Cleaners
Cooks and caterers
Mechanics & machine tool operators

Recognising and managing infection » « Allergic contact dermatitis

References:

10.Graham-Brown R, Bourke J, Cunliffe T. Dermatology. Fundamentals of Practice. Mosby Elsevier, London 2008