What is the prognosis of an OSD?

In general, workers with occupational hand dermatitis do not fare well. Approximately 25% have complete remission, 50% have periodic recurrences, and 25% have chronic persistent dermatitis, despite a change in jobs and therapeutic intervention. Some remediable reasons for persistent dermatitis include failure to diagnose and remove the sensitizer responsible for allergic contact dermatitis, continued exposure to nonspecific irritants at home and work, continued inadvertent allergen exposure, and secondary sensitization (e.g., to preservatives contained in moisturizers and topical steroids that physicians give as treatment). Early diagnosis can be important in preventing chronic OSD. Studies have shown that delay of diagnosis for more than 1 year and continual exposure are crucial factors for chronicity.

Belsito, D: Occupational contact dermatitis: etiology, prevalence, and resultant impairment /disability, J Am Acad Dermatol 53:303–313, 2005.

Warshaw E, Lee G, Storrs FJ: Hand dermatitis: a review of clinical features, therapeutic options, and long-term outcomes, Am J Contact Dermat 14:119–137, 2003.