There has been increasing interest in quality of life outcomes, but there has been little reported on this topic for individuals with contact dermatitis. The objectives of this study were (i) to pilot a dermatology-specific quality of life instrument to assess its acceptability in a patch test clinic population, (ii) to see the effects of contact dermatitis on the patients' lives and (iii) to determine what factors may influence quality of life outcomes in this population. A dermatology-specific quality of life instrument was modified and used for 339 patients undergoing patch testing in a contact dermatitis clinic. The most common effect was pain or itching in 61%. Approximately 1/3 noted embarrassment, interference with work, or sleep disturbance. Other concerns were reported by less than 25% of the population. On multivariate analysis, the key factor influencing most outcomes was hand involvement. The instrument was well accepted by the clinic population and is now being used in a prospective study of outcomes. In the population assessed, it demonstrated the effects of disease. Analysis suggests that a key factor influencing these quality of life outcomes is hand involvement.