Dermatology · UKMLA & AKT
Irritant contact dermatitis
A free high-yield preview for the UKMLA Applied Knowledge Test, covering how to recognise this condition. The full SA Note notes add investigations, management and complications, with practice questions on this topic.
Key high-yield points
- ICD = direct physicochemical damage to the stratum corneum - no prior sensitisation required, reaction can occur on first exposure
- Non-immunological (contrast with allergic contact dermatitis - ACD - which is a Type IV delayed hypersensitivity, T-cell mediated, occurs 48-72 hours after exposure)
- Most common form of contact dermatitis; up to 80% of contact dermatitis cases are irritant in nature
ACD (e.g. nickel watch rash) = Type IV hypersensitivity. ICD (e.g. detergent hands) = non-immunological direct irritation. Exam questions distinguish these two mechanisms.
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