Hand dermatitis is inflammation characterized by redness, scaling, and fissuring clinically and spongiosis histologically. The three main types of hand dermatitis--irritant contact dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, and dyshidrotic eczema--are discussed along with nursing assessment, patch testing, and prognosis and prevention.
In 2002, an estimated 15% of all nonfatal occupational illnesses were attributed to occupational skin diseases and 75% of the occupational skin diseases accompanied by days away from work were attributed to dermatitis (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services [DHHS], 2005). In a study of 1,380 members of a Massachusetts managed health care ...