Abstract
Solitary or cumulative exposure to irritants may trigger a localized non-immunological inflammatory response identified as irritant contact dermatitis. Incidence and risk for irritant contact dermatitis have shown an increase in certain occupational environments, but most exogenous dermatitis continues to be a hypersensitivity reaction. The pathophysiology and clinical picture can help differentiate between the two. An excess of chemical, physical, or mechanical irritant factors with respect to dermatological defense mechanisms triggers irritant contact dermatitis. The clinical presentation may demonstrate a variety of expression patterns, ranging from the oligomorphic picture of dermatitis to the classical polymorphic picture of eczema. A complete clinical evaluation and diagnosis require a full history, symptoms, and patch test results. Treatment modalities should include reduction of exposure to the irritant, skin protection, and enhancement of dermatological defense and repair mechanisms. Treatment and future management should be tailored to the patient and occupation.
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Frojo, G.A., van der Walle, H.B., Maibach, H.I. (2014). Irritant Contact Dermatitis. In: Alikhan, A., Lachapelle, JM., Maibach, H. (eds) Textbook of Hand Eczema. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-39546-8_11
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