Contact Dermatitis
NICE CKS Dermatitis – contact. Last revised: Jan 2024.
Guidelines
Investigation and Diagnosis
Gold standard: skin patch testing
Note that skin patch testing is for contact dermatitis and skin prick test is for IgE-mediated allergies.
Management
1st line:
- Avoid the stimulus if causative agent has been identified (most important)
- 8-12 weeks of avoidance may be needed before clinical improvement
- If complete avoidance not possible: advise on measures to prevent or minimise contact with affected skin
- Use liberal emollients and soap substitutes to maintain skin hydration and improve barrier repair
2nd line: consider topical corticosteroids
If contact dermatitis is confirmed to be associated with occupation:
- The employer is legally obliged to assess health risks at work and prevent (or if this is not reasonably practicable) adequately control exposure to hazards (for example by change of duties or suitable personal protective measures).
- The employer has a legal duty to report a case of the disease to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE)