Contact dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin caused by direct contact with an irritating or allergy-causing substance (irritant or allergen). Reactions may vary in the same person over time. A history of any type of allergies increases the risk for this condition.
Irritant dermatitis, the most common type of contact dermatitis, involves inflammation resulting from contact with acids, alkaline materials such as soaps and detergents, solvents, or other chemicals. The reaction usually resembles a burn.
Allergic contact dermatitis, the second most common type of contact dermatitis, is caused by exposure to a substance or material to which you have become extra sensitive or allergic. The allergic reaction is often delayed, with the rash appearing 24 - 48 hours after exposure. The skin inflammation varies from mild irritation and redness to open sores, depending on the type of irritant, the body part affected, and your sensitivity.
Overtreatment dermatitis is a form of contact dermatitis that occurs when treatment for another skin disorder causes irritation.
Common allergens associated with contact dermatitis include:
Poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac
Other plants
Nickel or other metals
Medications
Antibiotics, especially those applied to the surface of the skin (topical)
Contact dermatitis may involve a reaction to a substance that you are exposed to, or use repeatedly. Although there may be no initial reaction, regular use (for example, nail polish remover, preservatives in contact lens solutions, or repeated contact with metals in earring posts and the metal backs of watches) can eventually cause cause sensitivity and reaction to the product.
Some products cause a reaction only when they contact the skin and are exposed to sunlight (photosensitivity). These include shaving lotions, sunscreens, sulfa ointments, some perfumes, coal tar products, and oil from the skin of a lime. A few airborne allergens, such as ragweed or insecticide spray, can cause contact dermatitis.
Eczema (11 images)
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(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Eczema is a chronic skin disorder that involves scaly and itchy rashes.Infantile eczema; Atopic dermatitis; Dermatitis- atopic.Eczema is due to a hypersensitivity reaction(similar to an allergy) in the skin, which leads to long-term inflammation. ...Reviewer: Michael Lehrer, MD, Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Date: 10/28/2008
Diaper dermatitis - Candida-associated (2 images)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Candida-associated diaper dermatitis is an infection of the skin beneath an infant''s diaper. It is caused by yeasts(Candida organisms).Dermatitis- diaper and Candida; Candida-associated diaper dermatitis.Diaper rashes caused by infection with Cand...Reviewer: Rachel A. Lewis, MD, FAAP, Columbia University Pediatric Faculty Practice, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.Date: 08/15/2007
Seborrheic dermatitis (1 image)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Seborrheic dermatitis is a common, inflammatory skin condition that causes flaky, white to yellowish scales to form on oily areas such as the scalp or inside the ear. It can occur with or without reddened skin.Cradle cap is the term used...Reviewer: Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Associate, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.Date: 07/18/2007
Exfoliative dermatitis (1 image)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Exfoliative dermatitis is widespread scaling of the skin, often with itching(pruritus), skin redness(erythroderma), and hair loss. It may occur in severe cases of many common skin conditions, including eczema, psoriasis, and allergic reactions.A p...Reviewer: Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Associate, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Date: 02/05/2008
Perioral dermatitis (1 image)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Perioral dermatitis is a skin disorder characterized by tiny red bumps(papules) around the mouth.Perioral dermatitis most commonly affects young women. However, it sometimes affects men, too. Reviewer: Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Associate, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Date: 02/05/2008
Dermatitis herpetiformis (6 images)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Dermatitis herpetiformis is an extremely itchy rash made of bumps and blisters. The rash is chronic, which means it continues over a long period of time.Dermatitis herpetiformis usually begins in people age 20 and older, although children may some...Reviewer: Jonathan Kantor, MD, North Florida Dermatology Associates, Jacksonville, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Date: 04/15/2009
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