VEGFA and contact dermatitis: Therefore, exposure to chemical irritants elevates the secretion of cytokines and growth factors from keratinocytes, including a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a potent mediator of angiogenesis that stimulates the migration and proliferation of endothelial cells, and facilitates vascular permeability and expression of adhesion molecules in the pathogenesis of irritant contact dermatitis.8–10,14–16