• Non-immunologic inflammatory skin reaction caused by direct damage to the skin barrier from a chemical,
physical, or mechanical irritant
• May be acute following sufficiently intense exposure or chronic following repeated exposure to weaker
irritants
• Severity depends on irritant concentration, duration and frequency of exposure, and integrity of the skin barrier
• Unlike allergic contact dermatitis, prior sensitization is not required
• Usually predominantly confined to areas directly exposed to the irritant
• Accounts for the majority of occupational contact dermatitis
• High-risk occupations include healthcare, hairdressing, cleaning, food service, construction, mechanics, and horticulture, particularly when involving wet work or repeated irritant exposure
• Predisposing factors include atopic dermatitis, wet work, cold/dry climates, occlusion, and friction
