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Irritant Contact Dermatitis: Why It Happens, Who Suffers It and How to Manage

  • Contact Dermatitis (A Gimenez-Arnau, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Treatment Options in Allergy Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) is defined as a localized skin reaction to irritants which does not require prior sensitization of the immune adaptative system. ICD is a consequence of direct toxic effect of physical or chemical agents resulting in keratinocyte damage. The purpose of this review was to highlight the various aspects of ICD to improve its management.

Recent Findings

It is now known that ICD is a complex reaction that involved both endogenous and exogenous factors, and does not represent a homogenous entity but can cover various clinical subtypes. The management of ICD is based on its accurate diagnosis and the identification of the irritants if possible. The treatment is based on the avoidance of irritants, and strategies such as personal protective equipment (gloves, barrier creams) to be implemented at the workplace.

Summary

ICD is the most frequent cause of contact dermatitis. It represents up to 95% of contact dermatitis in occupational context. This review focuses on the practical management of ICD: why it happens, which are the main clinical subtypes and what to do.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Centre of Paris, Cochin Hospital, AP-HP, Paris, France

    Seta Vannina & Crepy Marie-Noëlle

  2. Department of Occupational and Environmental Diseases, University Hospital of Centre of Paris, Hotel-Dieu Hospital, AP-HP, Paris, France

    Crepy Marie-Noëlle

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  1. Seta Vannina
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Correspondence to Seta Vannina.

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Seta Vannina and Crepy Marie-Noëlle declare no conflicts of interest relevant to this manuscript.

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Vannina, S., Marie-Noëlle, C. Irritant Contact Dermatitis: Why It Happens, Who Suffers It and How to Manage. Curr Treat Options Allergy 7, 124–134 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40521-020-00247-x

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