THE PROGNOSIS OF CONTACT-DERMATITIS

This article reviews the prognosis of contact dermatitis, particularly of occupational contact dermatitis. Most studies document a poor prognosis for occupational and nonoccupational contact dermatitis. The prognoses of occupational and nonoccupational contact dermatitis, irritant contact dermatitis, and allergic contact dermatitis are similar. Only a minority of studies on the prognosis of occupational contact dermatitis have found that a job change by the affected worker leads to clearing of the dermatitis. Dermatologie and nondermatologic factors associated with a poor prognosis are discussed. © 1990, American Academy of Dermatology, Inc.. All rights reserved.