Irritant contact dermatitis

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Irritant contact dermatitis
Synonyms ICD
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Redness, itching, burning sensation, dry skin, cracking, blisters
Complications Infection, chronic dermatitis
Onset Minutes to hours after exposure
Duration Days to weeks
Types N/A
Causes Chemical irritants, physical irritants
Risks Occupational exposure, frequent hand washing, sensitive skin
Diagnosis Clinical examination, patch testing
Differential diagnosis Allergic contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis
Prevention Avoidance of irritants, use of protective barriers
Treatment Emollients, topical corticosteroids, antihistamines
Medication Topical corticosteroids, oral antihistamines
Prognosis N/A
Frequency Common
Deaths Rare


A type of contact dermatitis caused by exposure to irritants

Irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) is a form of contact dermatitis that occurs when the skin comes into contact with an irritating substance. It is a non-allergic reaction that results in inflammation of the skin.

Causes[edit]

ICD is caused by direct damage to the skin by a chemical or physical agent. Common irritants include soaps, detergents, acids, and alkalis. Repeated exposure to these substances can lead to skin damage and inflammation.

Symptoms[edit]

The symptoms of irritant contact dermatitis can vary depending on the severity of the exposure. Common symptoms include:

  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Itching
  • Burning sensation
  • Blisters or vesicles in severe cases

Diagnosis[edit]

Diagnosis of ICD is primarily based on the clinical history and physical examination. A patch test may be used to rule out allergic contact dermatitis. The image on the right shows a typical patch test setup.

Treatment[edit]

The primary treatment for ICD is to avoid exposure to the irritant. Additional treatments may include:

  • Topical corticosteroids to reduce inflammation
  • Emollients to moisturize the skin
  • Protective barriers such as gloves

Prevention[edit]

Preventive measures include:

  • Identifying and avoiding known irritants
  • Using protective clothing and equipment
  • Maintaining good skin care practices

See Also[edit]

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