title: [Occupational dermatitis: irritation or allergy?].
abstract: Occupational dermatitis is a very frequent subject of consultation, as much in general practice as in dermatology. The most frequently found pathologies are linked to environmental factors. In these cases, irritant dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis represent the majority of the cutaneous problems. Rigorous history taking associated with an attentive examination and a few investigations, essentially consisting of skin testing, form an incontestable tripod. The therapeutic approach, as much preventative as curative, can only be envisaged after having made a precise diagnosis, of which the conclusions should be pertinent and adapted to each patient presenting in consultation. In occupational disease, the distinction between irritant dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis is primordial.
authors.affiliation: Service de dermatologie Université catholique de Louvain Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc Ecole de santé publique UCL-3033 Clos Chapelle-aux-Champs 30 B-1200 Bruxelles Belgique.
authors.forename: Dominique
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Tennstedt
authors.forename: Jean-Marie
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Lachapelle
mesh_terms: D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009783:Dermatitis, Occupational / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D007509:Irritants / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000276:immunology; D012882:Skin Tests
chemical_list: D007509:Irritants