Contact dermatitis is a common skin condition marked by itching, inflammation, redness, and blistering of the skin. Contact dermatitis is a type of atopic dermatitis and one of many forms of dermatitis. Other types of dermatitis include irritant dermatitis, eczema, infantile eczema, and seborrheic dermatitis.
Contact dermatitis occurs when skin is sensitive to direct contact with specific substances. Contact dermatitis, also called allergic contact dermatitis, is associated with allergies to substances, such as the nickel, which is a metal often used in the manufacture of jewelry. Other common examples of substances that cause contact dermatitis are poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac. Other substances that often cause contact dermatitis include some medications and fragrances, rubber, dyes, and preservatives used in some products.
The appearance, severity, symptoms, and triggers of contact dermatitis vary between individuals. Contact dermatitis often appears as a rash that is itchy and blisters. Uncomplicated contact dermatitis is generally not a serious condition, but there is a potential for complications in some people. For more information on symptoms and complications, refer to symptoms of contact dermatitis.
A diagnosis of contact dermatitis can often be made by taking a thorough health history, including symptoms and exposure to common allergens, and performing a physical exam. For some people, skin patch testing may be performed. In a patch test, small amounts of common allergens are applied methodically to the skin to determine what substances are triggering an allergic response, leading to the contact dermatitis.
Because the symptoms of contact dermatitis may be similar to other skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, hives, or pityriasis rosea, a misdiagnosis is possible. For information on misdiagnosis, refer to misdiagnosis of contact dermatitis.
Treatment of contact dermatitis begins with avoiding exposure to the irritating substance that causes the skin reaction. A variety of topical and oral medications may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and itching and cure secondary infections. For more information on treatment, refer to treatment of contact dermatitis. ...more »
Contact dermatitis: Skin reaction to an irritant. More detailed information about the symptoms, causes, and treatments of Contact dermatitis is available below.
Symptoms of contact dermatitis can differ in intensity, frequency, and duration amongst individuals. Symptoms can be minimal to intense and include itching and the development of a rash or patch of dry, inflamed skin. The rash often develops scales or and blisters that crust over.
Scratching the area of contact generally does not relieve the itching and ...more symptoms »
With a well integrated treatment plan, outbreaks of contact dermatitis can be avoided and symptoms can be effectively controlled and minimized. A good treatment plan is individualized to a person's medical history, severity of contact dermatitis, the specific cause, and other factors.
Treatment of contact dermatitis includes prevention of flare-ups ...more treatments »
A diagnosis of the contact dermatitis begins with taking a thorough health history, including symptoms, and performing a physical exam.
A misdiagnosis is possible because the symptoms of the contact dermatitis can be similar to other diseases, such as eczema, psoriasis, hives, or pityriasis rosea. Because these and other conditions may also present with itching and rashes, and ...more misdiagnosis »
See full list of 6 symptoms of Contact dermatitis
See full list of 13 treatments for Contact dermatitis
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The US based website ClinicalTrials.gov lists information on both federally and privately supported clinical trials using human volunteers.
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Types of Contact dermatitis
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Type of acute or chronic skin reaction in which sensitivity is manifested by reactivity to materials or substances coming in contact with the skin; may involve allergic or non-allergic mechanisms. - (Source - Diseases Database)
A delayed type of allergic reaction of the skin resulting from skin contact with a specific allergen (such as poison ivy) - (Source - WordNet 2.1)
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