This overview defines whether anti-irritant agents, in fact, inhibit, prevent or treat irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) in man. We performed a literature search using PubMed, EMBASE, and Scopus via the library at University of California San Francisco, and a hand search of relevant text books to investigate chemicals that can be considered antiirritants in either prevention or treatment. Emphasis was placed on data that included quantitative and qualitative results and that followed evidence-based dermatological guidelines. Related patents were summarized. Conflicting observations summarized here suggest well controlled, but often arduous, field type studies are required for confirmation.

Barrier cream (BC), bioengineering, irritant contact dermatitis (ICD), moisturizers, occupational, prevention, treatment, occupational dermatitis, Anti-irritants agents, Natural Anti-Irritant, Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors, Corticosteroids.

Department of Dermatology, University of California, School of Medicine, Box 0989, Surge 110, 90 Medical Center Way, San Francisco, CA 94143-0989, USA.