The prevention of skin diseases is accepted as an important part of occupational dermatology. Irritant dermatitis in particular, is a skin disease which can be avoided by preventional measures. Hence, an early introduction of trainees to preventional measures seems to be necessary to avoid bad habits which then become a matter of routine. The role of the dermatologist is not only the identification of individuals with a higher risk for developing irritant dermatitis, he should also inform his patients about the relevant irritants in their occupation (or of irritants in the household or leisure activities). Prevention by collective measures must be combined with individual measures (like gloves and protective clothing, correct skin cleaning and external creams). Periodical training and motivation of individuals at most risk is of utmost importance, because the best preventive measures are of no effect when they are not used regularly.