Irritant contact dermatitis

Inflammation of the skin caused by a primary skin-damaging noxious agent. It is characteristic that the skin lesions remain strictly limited to the place of exposure.

Acute toxic contact dermatitis

Chronic toxic contact dermatitis

Sharply defined, erythematous, flat, scaly and pruriginal erythema, papules and plaques, limited to the site of exposure.

Medical history

Clinic

Avoid the triggering noxious agent.

In acute eczema, an aqueous ointment base is used, whereas in subacute or chronic eczema, a greasy ointment base is effective.

Topical Therapy

Refatting local therapy

Clobetasone (Emovate®) Cream /Ointment

Mometasone furoate (Elocom®) Cream / Ager / Ointment

Clobetasol (Dermovate®) cream 1-2 days (for 1-3 days)

Systemic Therapy

Prednisolone (Spiricort®) p.o. 25-100 mg 1x per day

Levocetirizine (Xyzal®) p.o. 5 mg 1x per day

Desloratadine (Aerius®) p.o. 5 mg 1x per day

Fexofenadine (Telfast®) p.o. 180 mg 1x per day

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2.  Eichmann A, Amgwerd D. [Toxic contact dermatitis]. Schweiz Rundsch Med Prax 1992;81:615-7. 
3.  Schroder CM, Holler Obrigkeit D, Merk HF, Abuzahra F. [Necrotizing toxic contact dermatitis of the scalp from hydrogen peroxide]. Hautarzt 2008;59:148-50. 
4.  Kiec-Swierczynska M, Swierczynska-Machura D, Chomiczewska-Skora D, Nowakowska-Swirta E, Krecisz B. Occupational allergic and irritant contact dermatitis in workers exposed to polyurethane foam. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2014;27:196-205. 
5.  Gambichler T, Boms S, Freitag M. Contact dermatitis and other skin conditions in instrumental musicians. BMC Dermatol 2004;4:3.