3. Specific Objectives
At the end of this session the group will be able to:
• Define contact dermatitis
• Enlist the causes
• Enumerate Clinical manifestations
• Explain Medical and Nursing management
• Apply this knowledge while caring patient with
contact dermatitis in clinical area.
4. Definition
Contact dermatitis is an Inflammatory
reaction of the skin to physical, chemical or
biologic agents.
Types: Irritant contact dermatitis
Allergic contact dermatitis
5. Causes
Soap, detergents, chemicals, toiletries, jewellery,
personal care products, topical medications, plants
and work-related materials, foods, anesthetics
agents, perfumes rubber gloves, leather, hair dye,
food etc.
Predisposing factors
9. Medical management
-A bland unmedicated lotion for small patches or
erythema.
-Cool wet dressings
-Ointment containing corticosteroids
-Medicated baths
-Short course of systemic corticosteroids for severe,
widespread conditions.
11. Strategies for avoiding contact Dermatitis
-Identify the irritants and try to avoid contact with
these materials
-Wear disposable, non-latex gloves when
shampooing, colouring and bleaching
-Rinse hands thoroughly immediately after exposure
to possible irritants
-Dry hands thoroughly with soft cotton or paper
towel
-Moisturise after washing your hands as well as the
start and finish of each day
-Pay attention to the fingertips, webs and wrists
- Check skin regularly for early signs of dermatitis