Contact dermatitis causes and risk factors
The three most common causes of contact dermatitis are:
Metals, such as nickel, cobalt or chromium, which are found in jewellery, watches, zips, tools and cement. These are responsible for most cases of allergic contact dermatitis.
Fragrances and perfumes, used in cosmetics, deodorants, soaps and detergents, are one of the main causes of skin allergies. In Spain, they are the second most common cause of contact dermatitis and the leading cause of cosmetic-related allergies.
Preservatives added to cosmetic or cleaning products to prolong their shelf life, such as methylisothiazolinone.
Occupational exposure
People who are continuously exposed to irritating or toxic substances at work, such as the metallurgical, healthcare, food, beauty, cleaning, construction, and painting industries are particularly prone to contact dermatitis.
Contact dermatitis is one of the most common occupational skin diseases, arising when repeated exposure to with water, soaps, disinfectants, solvents or gloves, damages the skin barrier, making lesions more likely to develop.
Risk factors
Certain factors can increase the risk of developing contact dermatitis:
Being a woman.
Advanced age.
Having atopic dermatitis or other allergic conditions.
Having certain genetic factors that makes individuals more prone to sensitisation.
Substantiated information by:
Published: 25 May 2020
Updated: 25 May 2020
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