Irritant contact dermatitis
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD's weight loss doctor NYC
Philadelphia GLP-1 weight loss and GLP-1 clinic NYC
| Irritant contact dermatitis | |
|---|---|
| File:Epikutanni-test.jpg | |
| 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 |
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
