Maintenance of personal and environmental hygiene
Use of harmful irritants in the workplace should be regulated
Efforts to raise knowledge of potential allergies and irritants through education
promoting safe working conditions and practices
health screenings before and after employment and on a regular basis Topical antibiotics should not be used to prevent infection in wounds after surgery. When they are used, it is inappropriate, and the person recovering from surgery is at significantly increased risk of developing contact dermatitis. Treatment
Self-care
If blistering develops, cold moist compresses applied for 30 minutes, 3 times a day can offer relief. Calamine lotion may relieve itching. Oral antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl, Ben-Allergin) can relieve itching. Avoid scratching. Immediately after exposure to a known allergen or irritant, wash with soap and cool water to remove or inactivate most of the offending substance. For mild cases that cover a relatively small area, hydrocortisone cream in nonprescription strength may be sufficient. Weak acid solutions (lemon juice, vinegar) can be used to counteract the effects of dermatitis contracted by exposure to basic irritants. A barrier cream, such as those containing zinc oxide (e.g., Desitin, etc. ), may help protect the skin and retain moisture. Medical care
If the rash does not improve or continues to spread after 2–3 of days of self-care, or if the itching and/or pain is severe, the patient should contact a dermatologist or other physician. Medical treatment usually consists of lotions, creams, or oral medications. Corticosteroids. A corticosteroid medication like hydrocortisone may be prescribed to combat inflammation in a localized area.
Irritant contact dermatitis
The irritants direct cytotoxic impact on epidermal keratinocytes causes Irritant contact dermatitis. This disrupts the skin barrier and activates the innate immune system. Keratinocytes in the epidermis can be actually affected by irritants. It is a complicated reaction that is influenced by genetic and environmental elements, both of which have a role in the pathogenesis of the disease. It can be seen in both occupational and non-occupational environments but its more common in the occupations dealing in low humidity conditions. Irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) can be divided into forms caused by chemical irritants, and those caused by physical irritants. Common chemical irritants implicated include: solvents (alcohol, xylene, turpentine, esters, acetone, ketones, and others); metalworking fluids (neat oils, water-based metalworking fluids with surfactants); latex; kerosene; ethylene oxide; surfactants in topical medications and cosmetics (sodium lauryl sulfate); and alkalis (drain cleaners, strong soap with lye residues). Physical irritant contact dermatitis may most commonly be caused by low humidity from air conditioning. Also, many plants directly irritate the skin. Allergic contact dermatitis
Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is accepted to be the most prevalent form of immunotoxicity found in humans, and is a common occupational and environmental health problem. By its allergic nature, this form of contact dermatitis is a hypersensitive reaction that is atypical within the population. The development of the disease occurs in two phases, which are induction and elicitation. The process of skin sensitization begins when a susceptible subject is exposed to the allergen in sufficient concentration to elicit the required cutaneous immune response.