What mechanism defines Irritant Contact Dermatitis (ICD) concerning the stratum corneum?
Answer
A direct, toxic reaction physically damaging the skin’s protective outer layer
Irritant Contact Dermatitis (ICD) is fundamentally different from an allergy because it involves direct physical or chemical destruction of the skin barrier, specifically the stratum corneum. It is a toxic response where the substance acts aggressively enough to disrupt the physical integrity of the skin, stripping away natural oils or causing chemical burns. This damage occurs regardless of prior sensitization; it is a dose-dependent, localized injury. Whether this damage occurs instantly from a strong acid or gradually over weeks from repeated harsh soap use, the mechanism remains direct physical erosion, not an immune system signaling error.
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