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Irritant Contact Dermatitis — SCE Dermatology MCQ

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EasyInflammatory DermatosesIrritant Contact DermatitisSCE Dermatology

A 55-year-old woman presents with irritant contact dermatitis on her hands from frequent wet work as a cleaner. What is the single most important preventive measure?

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Correct answer: B — Regular use of appropriate protective gloves with cotton liners

Regular use of appropriate protective gloves (vinyl or nitrile, with cotton liners to absorb sweat) is the single most important preventive measure for occupational irritant contact dermatitis from wet work. Barrier creams alone provide inadequate protection. Emollients should be used as skin moisturisers after work. Soap substitutes should replace detergent soaps. NICE and HSE guidelines emphasise that workplace modification (reducing wet exposure, glove use, skin care programmes) is more effective than medical treatment alone. Topical corticosteroids treat inflammation but do not prevent the underlying irritant exposure.

Reference: BAD 2017 Contact Dermatitis Guidelines; HSE Skin at Work