Management of irritant contact dermatitis: continuously a problem for patients and dermatologists.

Skin irritants may induce irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) in various ways but the end result remains the same: a clinical picture which in most cases is practically indistinguishable from allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). A treatment that works for ACD does not necessarily work for ICD. Management has to focus on preventive measures, education of people exposed to irritants and supportive topical treatment of varying nature depending on the clinical circumstances.