This review studies the efficacy of moisturizers in preventing contact dermatitis. Moisturizers have been in use for many decades to prevent contact dermatitis. In wet-work occupations, workers apply moisturizers daily for the prevention and treatment of skin irritation. Several in vitro and in vivo skin studies and field studies on the effects of moisturizers on irritant contact dermatitis have indicated their efficacy. It is an important preventive measure where wearing of gloves is not possible or inappropriate. Moisturizers can be seen to reinforce the natural barrier function of the skin by increasing the water content of the stratum corneum directly or indirectly. Studies have shown that eczematous skin heals faster when treated for several days with a moisturizer compared to untreated, symmetrical, control skin. There have been several studies on the efficacy of moisturizers in preventing contact dermatitis. Unfortunately, most of these studies are based on experimental models where the effects of specific moisturizers in preventing the irritant effects of specific irritants are measured. We have to be aware that different irritants have different effects on different individuals and that different moisturizers may have different protective effects on different skin characteristics. More field studies on the effects of moisturizers in the work environment need to be done to ascertain whether moisturizers do indeed help prevent contact dermatitis. Nevertheless, there has been sufficient evidence to suggest that moisturizers can prevent irritant contact dermatitis and should be recommended to workers who are constantly exposed to contact irritants.

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