The survey was carried out between January 1988 and June 1990. It consisted in a clinical and allergological study of 1489 housewives, 880 of which had contact dermatitis at their hands. (group of "cases"). The other 609 represented the control group. The anamnesis was gathered with a guided questionnaire: the questions concerned familiar and personnel pathology, use of detergents and cosmetics, use of means of prevention and therapies. Patch tests with haptens of GIRDCA series and with the most common detergent components were performed. In 98% of cases hands were the lace of beginning of symptoms; in the group of "cases" 46% were positive to at least one patch test. Nickel sulphate gave positivities in the 28% of cases. Results of the search of this metal (and of chrome and cobalt) in detergents are described. Other possible occasions of contact are described. Other causes of sensitization are represented by rubber additives, by perfumes and by preservatives. Cutipositivities for detergents are very really limited. Means of protection, in particular barrier creams, are described as scarcely used.