Dermatitis

Contact Dermatitis

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Contact Dermatitis, Prevention of Contact Dermatitis

  • Definition
  1. Inflammation of skin secondary to chemical contact
  2. Results in intracellular edema of Epidermis
  • Types
  1. Irritant Contact Dermatitis
    1. Accounts for 80% of Contact Dermatitis
  2. Allergic Contact Dermatitis
  • Epidemiology
  1. Most common dermatologic diagnosis
  2. Prevalence: 1-10%
  • Symptoms
  1. Irritant Contact Dermatitis: "It stings"
  2. Allergic Contact Dermatitis: "It itches"
  • Prevention (especially in occupational settings)
  1. Avoid organic solvent contact (Mineral Oil, thinner)
  2. Hypoallergenic skin cleansers (and consider Alcohol-based skin cleansers)
  3. Frequent use of Skin Lubricants (Emollients)
  4. Frequent clothing changes
    1. Immediately remove clothing soaked with chemicals
  5. Shower at least once daily
  6. Use gloves for wet tasks (e.g. washing)
  7. Wash work clothes seperate from other clothes at home
  8. Do not eat, drink or smoke in work area
  9. Consider alternative job duties
  10. Use cotton glove liners
  11. Topicals to prevent Irritant Contact Dermatitis
    1. High lipid content moisturizing cream
      1. Keri Lotion
      2. Petrolatum
      3. Coconut oil
    2. Barrier Creams
      1. Dermashield
      2. Dermofilm
    3. References
      1. Saary (2005) J Am Acad Dermatol 53:845-55 [PubMed]
  • Resources
  1. Haz-Map (Occupational Exposure Database)
    1. http://www.haz-map.com
  • References
  1. Habif (1996) Clinical Dermatology, p. 81-94
  2. Bebko (2016) Am Fam Physician 93(12): 1000-6 [PubMed]
  3. Lushniak (2000) Prim Care 27(4):895-916 [PubMed]
  4. Peate (2002) Am Fam Physician 66(6):1025-40 [PubMed]