Contact dermatitis is skin inflammation resulting from contact with an allergen. Rashes from contact dermatitis are typically decently large in size, and in some cases may remain for weeks, although several days may be sufficient time for them to heal. Contact dermatitis may be acute, but it is also possible for chronic contact dermatitis to develop in an individual.

Babies, infants, and the elderly may be severely affected by contact dermatitis. Diaper dermatitis is a common form of irritant contact dermatitis in infants. In the elderly, topical medications are a common cause of allergic contact dermatitis.


Types:

Contact dermatitis may be classified as any of the following types:

Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD)
Contact urticaria
Irritant contact dermatitis (ICD)
Photodermatitis (photoallergic dermatitis and phototoxic dermatitis)


Causes and risk factors:

Contact dermatitis is caused by exposure to certain allergens. The following are some that may cause this condition:

Chemicals
Highly alkaline products
Nickel
Paraphenylenediamine
Poison ivy
Poison oak
Poison sumac
Potassium dichromate
Toxicodendron plants

A history of atopic dermatitis appears to be a risk factor in developing the irritant form of contact dermatitis.


Symptoms:

Contact dermatitis symptoms may vary in any particular case, and some possible symptoms may include:

Blisters
Burning skin
Cracking skin
Fissures
Hives (urticaria)
Itching skin
Papules
Rashes
Swelling (edema)
Vesicles
Welts

Treatment:

Contact dermatitis is frequently easily treated. If exposure to an allergen is known, it may be able to be washed off in order to remove as much of it as possible from the patient. Certain lotions, creams and antihistamines may be able to bring relief for the itching. Cold compresses may be applied over blisters if they form.

If a case of contact dermatitis is not able to be treated well at home, medications or prescription antihistamines may be prescribed by a doctor or medical professional.