Contact Dermatitis

Dr: Sami Fathi MBBS,MSc,MD Contact dermatitis is a skin inflammatory condition created by a reaction to an externally applied substance

There are two types of contact dermatitis:

• Allergic Contact Dermatitis (ACD)
• Irritant Contact Dermatitis (ICD)

Comparison between irritant and allergic contact dermatitis

1. ICD accounts for 80% of all cases of contact dermatitis, and is often occupation-related
2. In contrast to ACD, no previous exposure to the irritant is necessary in ICD
3. In general, ICD remains at the site of contact and resolves in a few days after exposure, opposed to 1-3 weeks with ACD
4. Symptomatically, pain and burning are more common in irritant contact dermatitis, contrasting with the usual itch of allergic contact dermatitis