Ihokontakti

Ihokontakti, literally meaning “skin contact” in Finnish, refers to direct contact between the skin and another surface, substance, or person. It is a common exposure pathway discussed in dermatology, occupational safety, and first aid contexts. Examples include touching contaminated surfaces, applying cosmetics or chemicals to the skin, hand-to-face contact, and skin-to-skin contact during caregiving.

In dermatology, ihokontakti can trigger skin reactions through irritant contact dermatitis or allergic contact dermatitis. Irritant dermatitis results from direct chemical or physical injury to the skin, while allergic dermatitis arises from sensitization to specific allergens such as nickel, fragrances, preservatives, or rubber accelerators. The severity of reactions depends on exposure dose and duration, skin condition, and individual sensitivity.

In infectious disease contexts, ihokontakti can contribute to pathogen transmission when there are breaks in the skin or contact with contaminated materials. Good hygiene, frequent hand washing, and barrier precautions help reduce risk. If skin becomes contaminated, cleansing with mild soap and water is advised.

Prevention focuses on reducing exposure to irritants, using gloves or barrier creams when handling harmful substances, maintaining skin barrier health with moisturizers, and promptly addressing signs of irritation. Diagnosis of skin-contact–related conditions typically involves clinical history, examination, and, if needed, patch testing to identify responsible substances, guiding avoidance and treatment with emollients or topical corticosteroids.

The term is commonly used in Finnish-speaking medical and safety literature to describe skin contact as an exposure route, not a disease in itself.