Scope and efficacy of preventive measures in contact dermatitis

Purpose of review: To describe the scope and review the efficacy of interventions to prevent contact dermatitis. Recent findings: Universal measures to prevent contact dermatitis start at the population level with legislation regulating exposure to skin irritants and sensitizers. Primary measures include health education on skin care and protection, use of moisturisers and proper use of protective gloves. The overall epidemiological evidence regarding the efficacy of such preventive measures varies from low to moderate. Secondary prevention comprises the application of specific diagnostic procedures and early intervention. Tertiary prevention measures focus on medical, psychosocial, and occupational rehabilitation of patients with a chronic form. Education on risk factors and skin protection is an essential element at all the levels of prevention. Summary: Evidence-based recommendations and international standards for prevention, diagnosis and management of contact dermatitis are available. The low evidence on the efficacy of several primary measures can be due to limitations in study designs and low comparability of the studies.