A nurse-led clinic in chronic and allergic contact dermatitis.

It has generally been acknowledged that the incidence and prevalence of contact dermatitis has increased in recent years. It can develop at any stage of a person's life span (rare before puberty), and in many different circumstances and occupations. The demand on consultant dermatologists for contact dermatitis services has resulted in the depletion of some essential components to the investigation process, and patient outcomes have been affected. In recent years it has also resulted in the development of nurse-led contact dermatitis services. The traditional role of the dermatology nurse in contact dermatitis is to carry out patch testing. Nurse-led services require the wider acquisition of skills and knowledge in relation to contact dermatitis. This article is an attempt to introduce the complexities of contact dermatitis, and nurse-led services.