ABSTRACT
The diagnosis of OACD depends on patient history, dermatitis pattern, occupational exposure history-including hazard identifi cation, estimation of dermal exposure, and risk characterization-and comprehensive diagnostic patch testing. It involves two crucial elements: (1) recognizing the existence of an occupational exposure and (2) assessing whether that exposure can be linked to the expression of the dermatitis process as a cause or substantial contributive factor. Even though exposure to an occupational allergen is the essential factor, whether or not this exposure will fi nally result in clinical dermatitis, depends on additional circumstances, therefore, the rational work-up should include the analysis of all predisposing and contributory factors.
