Irritant contact dermatitis: A review

Abstract

Irritant contact dermatitis is the most common form of contact dermatitis, and yet is often overlooked. Recent progress in understanding the pathogenesis has reignited the interest of clinicians in this area of dermatology. Irritant contact dermatitis is not a homogenous entity, but rather a number of subtypes contributing to different clinical presentations. The diagnosis of irritant contact dermatitis is often clinical, and may only be possible after the exclusion of allergic contact dermatitis with patch testing. There is no readily available diagnostic test. There is an incomplete understanding of the factors which lead to the development of cumulative irritant contact dermatitis and persistent postoccupational dermatitis. We have used the experience from our tertiary referral occupational dermatology clinic to illustrate various aspects of irritant contact dermatitis, and to highlight the difficulty sometimes encountered in making this diagnosis. We believe that increased awareness of the often pivotal role of irritant contact dermatitis, as well as all the other factors contributing to occupational dermatitis, will lead to improvement in outcomes for patients.

Organic Dust in Feed Industry

“…It requires multiple actions at various stages of production in order to protect workers from its adverse effects. The dust that is inhaled during work is not noticed in spite of conjunctival irritation or obstruction of the nasal mucosa [1][2][3]. Micro-organisms (gram-negative bacteria, thermophilic actinomycetes, mould fungi) and endotoxins are the main biological harmful agents of agricultural dusts.…”

Dermatosis por Neblina Ácida. A propósito de un caso

“…Los agentes irritantes causan una reacción no específica al contacto con la piel interrumpiendo su función de barrera, causando de este modo daño celular directo a la epidermis y liberación de mediadores proinflamatorios 10 .…”

Evaluation of metalworking fluid exposure and dermatitis among rifle barrel manufacturing employees.

“…Irritant contact dermatitis can be caused by many factors. The most common skin irritant at work is wet work, defined as exposure of skin to liquid for more than 2 hours per day, use of occlusive gloves for more than 2 hours per day, or frequent hand washing [Chew and Maibach 2003;Slodownik et al 2008]. Other common causes of irritant contact dermatitis include soaps and detergents, solvents, food products, cleaning agents, plastics and resins, petroleum products and lubricants, metals, and machine oils and coolants [Chew and Maibach 2003;Slodownik et al 2008].…”

“…The most common skin irritant at work is wet work, defined as exposure of skin to liquid for more than 2 hours per day, use of occlusive gloves for more than 2 hours per day, or frequent hand washing [Chew and Maibach 2003;Slodownik et al 2008]. Other common causes of irritant contact dermatitis include soaps and detergents, solvents, food products, cleaning agents, plastics and resins, petroleum products and lubricants, metals, and machine oils and coolants [Chew and Maibach 2003;Slodownik et al 2008]. Frictional irritant contact dermatitis can be caused by low humidity, heat, paper, tools, metals, fabrics, plastics, fibrous glass and other particulate dusts, and cardboard, among other causes [McMullen and Gawkrodger 2006;Morris-Jones et al 2002].…”

“…We also found, based on our observations and questionnaire data, that most employees with skin exposure to oil, coolant, or both, did not wear gloves or protective sleeves adequately to protect their skin. Skin contact with MWF may cause allergic contact dermatitis, irritant contact dermatitis, or oil folliculitis (irritation or infection of hair follicles) depending on the chemical composition, additives and contaminants, type of metal being machined, and the exposed individual's tendency for developing allergies [Chew and Maibach 2003;Slodownik et al 2008;WISHA 2001]. Limiting skin exposure is critical to preventing allergic and irritant disorders and folliculitis related to MWF exposure.…”