Occupational Contact Dermatitis: Common Occupational Allergens

The prevalence of occupational contact dermatitis is estimated to be between 6.7% and 10.6% and can lead to missed work and job loss. Although treatment may provide temporary relief, identifying the culprit allergen may help the clinician counsel on how to avoid or reduce exposure. Some of the most common high-risk occupations for allergic contact dermatitis include agricultural workers, construction workers, health care workers, hairdressers, mechanics, and machinists. In this article, we discuss the common occupational exposures of these high-risk professions, and summarize the common culprit allergens.