Disease directory
Contact dermatitis
Published: September 18, 2026Updated: September 18, 2026
Important: Informational content intended for healthcare professionals. It does not replace clinical evaluation or establish a doctor-patient relationship.
Overview
- Alternative names : Contact dermatitis (CD); main types: allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) and irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) . Subtypes: photoallergic/phototoxic , airborne , systemic (systemic reactions to haptens) , protein .
- First description : Acute dermatitis was recognized as a distinct entity at the end of the 19th century; J. Jadassohn (1895) introduced the patch test as a diagnostic tool. The historical term “ dermatitis venenata ” appears in 19th-century publications.
- Epidemiology (key points)
- DC is one of the most common inflammatory dermatoses and occupational diseases .
- DCI represents ~ 70–80% of occupational DC;
- DCA affects both sexes; some allergens (e.g., nickel ) are more prevalent in young women; hands , eyelids , and face are common sites.
- High-risk occupations: health (hand hygiene/gloves), hairdressing/beauty (acrylates, dyes), cleaning, food, construction (chrome), mechanics (oils/biocides), welding/jewelry (metals).
- Codes
- ICD‑10 : L23 (DCA), L24 (ICD), L25 (CD not specified); Related: L56.2 ( photoallergic /photocontact dermatitis).
- ICD-11 (chap. “Allergic and hypersensitivity conditions”): EK00 (DCA), EK02 (DCI); EK0Y /“other specified” for photocontact depending on browser/country extension
- Diagnostic checklist (quick):
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Exposure history (work, hobbies, cosmetics, devices).
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Distribution consistent with contact/photodistribution.
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Rule out ringworm (KOH/culture) in atypical or refractory plaques. [show_150ms_ease-in] » data-testid=»webpage-citation-pill»> PMC
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Request patch test (basal + directed series; consider photopatch / ROAT / prick test if PCD). [show_150ms_ease-in] » data-testid=»webpage-citation-pill»> onlinelibrary.wiley.com +1
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Treat outbreak, discontinue allergen/irritant , prevention/occupational plan.
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