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Contact dermatitis is the most common occupational skin reaction. In the UK, it accounts for 80% of the cases reported to EPI-DERM, the skin disease monitoring scheme. Dermatitis is an inflammation reaction, where the area which comes into contact with the chemical becomes red, swollen or blistered, and feels itchy or burning. It can be caused by irritants or result from an allergic reaction. The HSE says: "At worst, contact dermatitis can be as disabling at work as the loss of a limb." The HSE estimates 132,000 working days are lost every year because of occupational dermatitis, and many people are forced to change jobs as a result (Toxic Substances Bulletin 1996, 31, pp. 1-2, 7).

Irritant contact dermatitis can be caused by many substances. Some, like soaps, detergents and many solvents, are mild irritants to which the skin needs to be exposed in large amounts or for long periods to cause dermatitis. Others are very strong irritants, such as hydrogen fluoride and sulphuric acid (both strong acids), or sodium hydroxide (a strong alkali). These chemicals cause what are sometimes called 'chemical burns', destroying the skin and causing ulcers and scarring. Irritant contact dermatitis is much more successfully treated if detected early.

Allergic contact dermatitis results from a specific allergy, where an individual is sensitised by an initial exposure, and then reacts when re-exposed to even small amounts. Chemicals which often cause allergic contact dermatitis are: latex (in surgical gloves), formaldehyde, rubber additives, nickel or chromium compounds, bactericides and fungicides, adhesives and sealants, plants and wood, and hairdressing chemicals. Because people vary in their susceptibility to substances that can cause allergic contact dermatitis, it may occur in only a few people in a workplace. Just because only one or two people are affected does not mean it is not work-related.

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