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Occupational Dermatitis Due to Irritation and Allergic Sensitization

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Handbook of Occupational Dermatoses

Part of the book series: Updates in Clinical Dermatology ((UCD))

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Abstract

Occupational contact dermatitis is the most frequent type of occupational skin diseases. It can be broadly classified into irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) and allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). The dermatitis in occupational cases is mostly localized on the hands.

The typical clinical feature is dermatitis at the site of contact with the causative agent and a close relationship with work activities.

Numerous irritants and contact allergens are involved in the pathogenesis of occupational contact dermatitis and are often highly specific for a particular specific profession. Major irritants are water, detergents, and alkalis and acids. Major allergens in occupational settings are rubber additives, biocides, plastics, metals, allergens of cosmetics and fragrances, dyes, and plants.

The diagnosis of occupational contact dermatitis is based on medical history, clinical examination of the entire skin integument, performance of skin provocation tests, and assessment of exposure. Occupational irritant and allergic contact dermatitis can be difficult to distinguish clinically. Allergy testing, primarily patch testing, is necessary to confirm a diagnosis of allergic contact dermatitis and to support a diagnosis of irritant contact dermatitis. Exposure assessment (including ingredient labels and safety data sheets, type of protective equipment) is therefore fundamental in the diagnosis work-up of patients with occupational contact dermatitis and in the implementation of specific preventive measures.

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Abbreviations

ACD:

Allergic contact dermatitis

ICD:

Irritant contact dermatitis

HE:

Hand eczema

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Occupational and Environmental Diseases Department Unit at Hotel-Dieu Hospital, Paris, France

    M. -N. Crepy

  2. Dermatology Department Unit at Cochin Hospital, Paris, France

    M. -N. Crepy

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  1. M. -N. Crepy
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Dermatology, Universitat Autònoma and Universitat Pompeu Fabra de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain

    Ana M. Giménez-Arnau

  2. Department of Dermatology, UCSF Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, USA

    Howard I. Maibach

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Crepy, M.N. (2023). Occupational Dermatitis Due to Irritation and Allergic Sensitization. In: Giménez-Arnau, A.M., Maibach, H.I. (eds) Handbook of Occupational Dermatoses. Updates in Clinical Dermatology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-22727-1_3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-22727-1_3

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  • Online ISBN: 978-3-031-22727-1

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