What is contact dermatitis?
Contact dermatitis is a skin reaction that happens after touching a substance that irritates the skin or triggers an allergic response. The skin becomes inflamed, leading to redness, itching, or rash-like symptoms.
There are two main types of contact dermatitis. Irritant contact dermatitis develops when something damages the skin directly, while allergic contact dermatitis happens when the immune system reacts to a specific substance.
Many everyday products can trigger contact dermatitis. Common causes include soaps, detergents, fragrances, cosmetics, latex, metals such as nickel, and certain topical medicines.
Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac are also common causes of allergic skin reactions. Repeated exposure to irritants at work or home may increase the risk of ongoing skin problems.
Symptoms
Symptoms can appear quickly or develop over several hours or days, depending on the cause.
Common symptoms include:
- Red or irritated skin
- Itching
- Burning or stinging
- Dry or cracked skin
- Swelling
- Blisters or oozing rash
- Thick or scaly skin from repeated irritation
How is it diagnosed?
Healthcare providers usually diagnose contact dermatitis by reviewing symptoms and discussing recent exposures. A skin exam can help identify the pattern and location of the rash.
Patch testing may be recommended if an allergy is suspected. During this test, small amounts of possible allergens are placed on the skin to see whether a reaction develops.
How is it treated?
The most important part of treatment is avoiding the substance causing the reaction. Symptoms often improve once the skin is no longer exposed to the trigger.
Treatment may include:
- Washing the affected skin
- Cool compresses
- Moisturizers or barrier creams
- Steroid creams to reduce inflammation
- Antihistamines to help with itching
- Oral steroids for severe reactions
Avoiding scratching can help prevent infection and support healing. Most mild cases improve within a few days to weeks with proper care.
