What is contact dermatitis?

Contact dermatitis is a reaction that happens after your skin comes in contact with certain substances.

Skin irritants cause most contact dermatitis reactions. Other cases are caused by allergens, which trigger an allergic response. The reaction may not start until 24 to 48 hours after exposure. Contact dermatitis happens from direct contact with the offending agent. .

Contact dermatitis most commonly affects adults, but it can affect people of all ages.

What causes contact dermatitis?

Some of the most common causes of contact dermatitis include:

• Soaps

• Drool

• Different foods

• Detergents

• Harsh baby lotions

• Perfumes

• Rubber (latex)

• Antibiotics

• Fragrances

• Preservatives

Plants, metals, cosmetics, and medicines may also cause a contact dermatitis reaction.

What are the symptoms of contact dermatitis?

These are the most common symptoms of contact dermatitis. However, each person may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

• Mild redness and swelling of the skin

• Blistering of the skin

• Itching or burning of the skin

• Scaly, thickened skin

The symptoms of contact dermatitis may look like other skin conditions. Always talk with your healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

How is contact dermatitis diagnosed?

Diagnosis is usually based on a medical history and physical exam. Patch testing can be done to identify the substance that's causing the rash. A skin biopsy may also be done. 

How is contact dermatitis treated?

Treatment will depend on your symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on how severe the condition is.

The best treatment is to identify and avoid the substances that may have caused the reaction. These are common treatment recommendations for mild to moderate reactions:

• Thoroughly wash the skin with soap and water as soon after the exposure as possible.

• Wash clothing and all objects that touched plant resins (poison ivy/oak) to prevent re-exposure.

• Use wet, cold compresses to soothe inflammation if blisters are broken.

• Use barrier creams to block certain substances if there is a chance of re-exposure in the future.

• Use medicines recommended by your healthcare provider to relieve itching. You may need to put the medicine on your skin or take the medicine by mouth.

  • Cortisone creams are used topically to relieve itching

  • Oral or injected steroids and oral antihistamines are used to control the itching and rash

• Avoid scratching the rash to prevent a bacterial infection.

• For severe reactions, always contact your healthcare provider.

If the reaction is significant and the substance that caused it can't be determined, your healthcare provider may do a series of patch tests to help identify the irritant.

Can contact dermatitis be prevented?

The only way to prevent contact dermatitis is to avoid contact with the irritant that causes it.

Key points about contact dermatitis

• Contact dermatitis is a physiological reaction that happens after skin comes in contact with certain substances.

• Skin irritants cause most contact dermatitis reactions.

• It's important to identify the cause of your contact dermatitis so you can avoid contact with that substance.

• Topical and oral medicines may be recommended by your healthcare provider to relieve itching.

Next steps

Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider:

• Know the reason for your visit and what you want to happen.

• Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.

• Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and remember what your provider tells you.

• At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new instructions your provider gives you.

• Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed, and how it will help you. Also know what the side effects are.

• Ask if your condition can be treated in other ways.

• Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.

• Know what to expect if you do not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.

• If you have a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit.

• Know how you can contact your provider if you have questions or need help in an emergency.