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Giornale Italiano di Dermatologia e Venereologia 2008 June;143(3):207-12

Copyright © 2008 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: English

Management of irritant contact dermatitis: continuously a problem for patients and dermatologists

Andersen F., Andersen K. E.

Department of Dermatology Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark

Skin irritants may induce irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) in various ways but the end result remains the same: a clinical picture which in most cases is practically indistinguishable from allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). A treatment that works for ACD does not necessarily work for ICD. Management has to focus on preventive measures, education of people exposed to irritants and supportive topical treatment of varying nature depending on the clinical circumstances.