Work history and information about risks represent two main instances in occupational medicine, the first one in order to formulate the diagnosis of occupational disease, the second one for the health education of workers. As far as this is concerned we describe the clinical case of a patient admitted for a cutaneous manifestation of suspected allergic nature. After a careful evaluation of the work related risk factors it turned out to be a cutaneous rash caused by exposure to dimethylformammide and concomitant consumption of alcohol. A correct information about substances used in the workplace and about subsequent hygienic rules would have avoided the appearance of the clinical manifestation and a useless admission.