Chronic, irritant contact dermatitis: Mechanisms, variables, and differentiation from other forms of contact dermatitis

Journal Article · Thu Dec 31 23:00:00 EST 1987 · Advances in Dermatology; (USA)

OSTI ID:6213740

Dahl, M V ^[1]

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1. Univ. of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis (USA)

Irritant dermatitis is an eczematous reaction to toxic chemicals contacting the skin. The mechanisms by which various chemicals elicit dermatitis are multiple. Strong irritants quickly elicit signs and symptoms of dermatitis, but weak irritants may not. Chronic cumulative exposure to weak irritants can elicit dermatitis which may mimic allergic contact dermatitis and mislead the physician and patient with respect to cause and preventative strategy. The skins of different people vary in susceptibilities to irritation. Susceptibility is also influenced by chemical properties, vehicles, concentrations, amounts applied to the skin surface, surface area, regional variations, length of exposure, method of exposure, age, sex, race, genetic background, environmental factors, hardening, concomitant disease, and the excited skin syndrome as well as treatment. Patch testing can help distinguish between allergens and irritants, but pitfalls may mislead.35 references.

• OSTI ID: 6213740
• Journal Information: Advances in Dermatology; (USA), Journal Name: Advances in Dermatology; (USA) Vol. 3; ISSN ADDEE; ISSN 0882-0880
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560300* -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ANIMALS
BODY
CHRONIC EXPOSURE
DERMATITIS
DISEASES
ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURE
MAMMALS
MAN
ORGANS
PRIMATES
SENSITIVITY
SKIN
SKIN DISEASES
TOXICITY
VERTEBRATES
XENOBIOTICS