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Clinical Aspects of Irritant Contact Dermatitis

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Contact Dermatitis

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Abstract

Irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) is more common than allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). It ranges from acute irritant reactions to chronic forms, often morphologically indistinguishable from ACD. Numerous exogenous and endogenous factors are involved in the pathogenesis. Major irritants are water, detergents, acidic and alkaline substances of various nature. Mechanical and thermal influences are important cofactors. Sensitive skin does exist and is frequently associated with previous atopic dermatitis. Chronic ICD is a diagnostic challenge and may be complicated by secondary sensitization to environmental allergens. Therapy and prevention require identification of irritants and reduction of skin contact by gloves or technical measures. Some topical medications and skin care products (e.g., sunscreens) may cause subjective discomfort without clinical signs of irritation: sharp stinging pain or burning of the skin develop several minutes after application in a crescendo pattern. This is considered to be a special form of neurosensory irritation

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Hautklinik, Klinikum Dortmund gGmbH, Beurhausstr. 40, 44137, Dortmund, Germany

    Peter J. Frosch

  2. Department of Dermatology, Environmental Medicine and Health Theory, University of Osnabrueck, Sedanstrasse 115, 49069, Osnabrück, Germany

    Swen Malte John

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Correspondence to Peter J. Frosch .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Dept. Dermatology, Amtssygehuset Gentofte, Niels Andersens Vej 65, Hellerup, 2900, Denmark

    Jeanne Duus Johansen

  2. Klinikzentrum Mitte, Hautklinik, Städtische Kliniken Dortmund, Beurhausstr. 40, Dortmund, 44137, Germany

    Peter J. Frosch

  3. Labo. Dermatochimie, Institut le Bel, rue Blaise Pascal 4, Strasbourg CX, 67070, France

    Jean-Pierre Lepoittevin

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Frosch, P.J., John, S.M. (2011). Clinical Aspects of Irritant Contact Dermatitis. In: Johansen, J., Frosch, P., Lepoittevin, JP. (eds) Contact Dermatitis. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-03827-3_16

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