Contact dermatitis: Difference between revisions

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{{SI}}
{{Infobox medical condition
| name            = Contact dermatitis
| image          = [[File:Contact_dermatitis_around_wound.jpg|250px]]
| caption        = Contact dermatitis around a wound
| field          = [[Dermatology]]
| symptoms        = [[Itchiness]], [[redness]], [[swelling]], [[blisters]]
| onset          = Minutes to hours after exposure
| duration        = Days to weeks
| causes          = [[Irritant]]s or [[allergen]]s
| risks          = [[Occupation]]al exposure, [[allergy]] history
| diagnosis      = [[Patch test]], clinical evaluation
| differential    = [[Atopic dermatitis]], [[psoriasis]], [[seborrheic dermatitis]]
| treatment      = Avoidance of triggers, [[topical corticosteroids]], [[emollients]]
| frequency      = Common
}}
'''Contact dermatitis''' is a type of [[inflammation]] of the [[skin]] that results from direct contact with certain substances. It is a localized [[rash]] or irritation of the skin caused by contact with a foreign substance.  
'''Contact dermatitis''' is a type of [[inflammation]] of the [[skin]] that results from direct contact with certain substances. It is a localized [[rash]] or irritation of the skin caused by contact with a foreign substance.  
== Causes ==
== Causes ==
Contact dermatitis is caused by either an [[allergic reaction]] or an [[irritant]]. The most common cause is direct contact with certain substances such as [[soap]], [[cosmetics]], [[fragrance]], [[jewelry]] made of nickel, latex, industrial chemicals, and a poison oak or poison ivy plant.  
Contact dermatitis is caused by either an [[allergic reaction]] or an [[irritant]]. The most common cause is direct contact with certain substances such as [[soap]], [[cosmetics]], [[fragrance]], [[jewelry]] made of nickel, latex, industrial chemicals, and a poison oak or poison ivy plant.  
== Types ==
== Types ==
There are two types of contact dermatitis: [[allergic contact dermatitis]] and [[irritant contact dermatitis]]. Allergic contact dermatitis occurs when the skin develops an allergic reaction to a substance. Irritant contact dermatitis is more common and occurs when a chemical or other substance irritates the skin.
There are two types of contact dermatitis: [[allergic contact dermatitis]] and [[irritant contact dermatitis]]. Allergic contact dermatitis occurs when the skin develops an allergic reaction to a substance. Irritant contact dermatitis is more common and occurs when a chemical or other substance irritates the skin.
== Symptoms ==
== Symptoms ==
The symptoms of contact dermatitis can vary from person to person, but they usually include redness, itching, and sometimes small [[blisters]] on the skin. The rash is usually located in a defined and limited area, and it can take anywhere from a few hours to 10 days for symptoms to appear after exposure to the irritant.
The symptoms of contact dermatitis can vary from person to person, but they usually include redness, itching, and sometimes small [[blisters]] on the skin. The rash is usually located in a defined and limited area, and it can take anywhere from a few hours to 10 days for symptoms to appear after exposure to the irritant.
== Treatment ==
== Treatment ==
Treatment for contact dermatitis usually involves avoiding the substance that caused the reaction. Over-the-counter creams and ointments, such as [[hydrocortisone]] cream, can help to relieve itching and redness. If the reaction is severe, a person may need to take [[corticosteroid]] pills.
Treatment for contact dermatitis usually involves avoiding the substance that caused the reaction. Over-the-counter creams and ointments, such as [[hydrocortisone]] cream, can help to relieve itching and redness. If the reaction is severe, a person may need to take [[corticosteroid]] pills.
== Prevention ==
== Prevention ==
Prevention of contact dermatitis primarily involves avoiding known allergens and irritants. Using protective clothing and gloves can also help to prevent the skin from coming into contact with irritating substances.
Prevention of contact dermatitis primarily involves avoiding known allergens and irritants. Using protective clothing and gloves can also help to prevent the skin from coming into contact with irritating substances.
 
== Gallery ==
[[Category:Dermatology]]
[[Category:Allergies]]
[[Category:Skin conditions]]
{{dermatology-stub}}
== Contact_dermatitis ==
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:Contact_dermatitis_around_wound.jpg|Contact dermatitis around a wound
File:Contact_dermatitis.jpg|Contact dermatitis
File:Contact_dermatitis.jpg|Contact dermatitis
File:Poision_Ivy_2012.jpg|Poison Ivy rash
File:Poision_Ivy_2012.jpg|Poison Ivy rash
File:Epikutanni-test.jpg|Patch test for contact dermatitis
File:Epikutanni-test.jpg|Patch test for contact dermatitis
</gallery>
</gallery>
[[Category:Dermatology]]
[[Category:Allergies]]
[[Category:Skin conditions]]
{{dermatology-stub}}

Latest revision as of 02:15, 5 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD's medical weight loss NYC, sleep center NYC
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Contact dermatitis
Synonyms N/A
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Itchiness, redness, swelling, blisters
Complications N/A
Onset Minutes to hours after exposure
Duration Days to weeks
Types N/A
Causes Irritants or allergens
Risks Occupational exposure, allergy history
Diagnosis Patch test, clinical evaluation
Differential diagnosis Atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis
Prevention N/A
Treatment Avoidance of triggers, topical corticosteroids, emollients
Medication N/A
Prognosis N/A
Frequency Common
Deaths N/A


Contact dermatitis is a type of inflammation of the skin that results from direct contact with certain substances. It is a localized rash or irritation of the skin caused by contact with a foreign substance.

Causes[edit]

Contact dermatitis is caused by either an allergic reaction or an irritant. The most common cause is direct contact with certain substances such as soap, cosmetics, fragrance, jewelry made of nickel, latex, industrial chemicals, and a poison oak or poison ivy plant.

Types[edit]

There are two types of contact dermatitis: allergic contact dermatitis and irritant contact dermatitis. Allergic contact dermatitis occurs when the skin develops an allergic reaction to a substance. Irritant contact dermatitis is more common and occurs when a chemical or other substance irritates the skin.

Symptoms[edit]

The symptoms of contact dermatitis can vary from person to person, but they usually include redness, itching, and sometimes small blisters on the skin. The rash is usually located in a defined and limited area, and it can take anywhere from a few hours to 10 days for symptoms to appear after exposure to the irritant.

Treatment[edit]

Treatment for contact dermatitis usually involves avoiding the substance that caused the reaction. Over-the-counter creams and ointments, such as hydrocortisone cream, can help to relieve itching and redness. If the reaction is severe, a person may need to take corticosteroid pills.

Prevention[edit]

Prevention of contact dermatitis primarily involves avoiding known allergens and irritants. Using protective clothing and gloves can also help to prevent the skin from coming into contact with irritating substances.

Gallery[edit]

Stub icon
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