Contact Dermatitis - Symptoms and Causes

Overview

Contact dermatitis is a non-contagious skin rash that appears when your skin touches certain substances. This itchy condition can develop from direct contact with irritants or through allergic reactions.

Common triggers include:

Cosmetics and fragrances
Jewelry (especially metals)
Various plants

The rash typically develops within days after exposure to the triggering substance. While uncomfortable, contact dermatitis can be managed effectively.

Treatment success depends on identifying and avoiding the cause. Once you stop contact with the triggering substance, the rash usually resolves within 2–4 weeks.

Several home remedies may provide relief, such as:

Applying cool, wet cloths to affected areas
Using appropriate over-the-counter products
Following good skin care practices

Signs and Symptoms

Contact dermatitis appears on skin areas that have directly touched a triggering substance. For instance, brushing against poison ivy may cause a rash on your leg.

This reaction can develop within minutes or hours after exposure and typically lasts 2–4 weeks.

Common symptoms include:

Itchy rash
Darker, leathery patches (especially on brown or black skin)
Dry, cracked, scaly patches (often on white skin)
Bumps and blisters (sometimes with oozing and crusting)
Swelling, burning sensations, or tender skin

When to Contact a Healthcare Provider

You should see a doctor if:

Your itching is severe enough to disrupt sleep or daily activities
The rash covers a large area or is particularly severe
You’re concerned about the appearance of your rash
The rash hasn’t improved after three weeks
The rash affects sensitive areas like your eyes, mouth, face, and genitals

Get emergency medical help if:

You notice signs of infection (fever or pus coming from blisters)
You have breathing problems after inhaling smoke from burning plants
Your eyes or nasal passages hurt after exposure to smoke from burning poison ivy
You think you’ve swallowed something that damaged your mouth or digestive tract lining

Early treatment can prevent complications and provide relief from uncomfortable symptoms.

Causes

Contact dermatitis happens when your skin reacts to something that touches it. This reaction can happen in two main ways: irritant contact dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis.

Irritant Contact Dermatitis

This is the most common type of contact dermatitis. It occurs when something damages the outer layer of your skin. You don’t need to be allergic to have this reaction.

Some people react right away to strong irritants. Others develop skin problems after touching mild irritants many times.

Common irritants include:

Cleaning products (bleach, detergents)
Solvents and chemicals
Hair products
Soaps and body washes
Rubber gloves
Plants
Fertilizers and pesticides
Airborne substances

Allergic Contact Dermatitis

This happens when your immune system reacts to something your skin touches. Your body treats this substance as harmful, even though it may not bother most people.

People often become sensitive to allergens after touching them many times over several years. Once you develop this sensitivity, even tiny amounts can cause a bad reaction.

Common allergens include:

Common Allergens	Examples
Metals	Nickel (found in jewelry, belt buckles)
Medications	Antibiotic creams, ointments
Fragrances	Perfumes, scented products
Preservatives	Formaldehyde in cosmetics and other products
Personal care	Body washes, hair dyes, cosmetics
Plants	Poison ivy, mango (containing urushiol)
Airborne substances	Pollen, spray insecticides
Photo-reactive items	Some sunscreens and cosmetics that react with sunlight

Children can develop contact dermatitis from common triggers like diapers, baby wipes, clothing dyes, and earrings.

Some allergic reactions happen when a substance enters your body through food, medicine, or dental procedures. This is called systemic contact dermatitis.

Many people have both irritant and allergic reactions at the same time, making it harder to identify the exact cause.

Risk Factors

Certain jobs and activities can increase the chance of developing contact dermatitis. People in these professions have more exposure to potential irritants:

Agricultural workers
Cleaning professionals
Construction workers
Food preparation staff
Florists
Beauty professionals (hair stylists, cosmetologists)
Healthcare and dental workers
Machinists
Mechanics

Water activities like swimming or scuba diving also present risks due to rubber in equipment like masks and goggles.

Complications

Scratching irritated skin from contact dermatitis can create problems. When you repeatedly scratch affected areas, the skin may become wet and start to ooze.

This creates an ideal environment for bacteria or fungi to grow, potentially leading to infection.

Prevention

Taking steps to prevent contact dermatitis can help you avoid uncomfortable skin reactions. Here are several effective strategies to protect your skin:

Identify and Avoid Triggers

Stay away from substances that cause your skin to react.
Choose hypoallergenic jewelry for piercings (surgical steel or gold).
Learn which products or materials trigger your symptoms.

Quick Response Matters

If you touch poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac, wash your skin immediately with mild, fragrance-free soap and warm water. Rinse thoroughly to remove the irritating substance. Remember to also wash any clothing that may have touched these plants.

Create Physical Barriers

Protect your skin by using:

Gloves when handling potential irritants.
Wear face masks and goggles when working with harsh chemicals.
Use iron-on patches to effectively conceal metal fasteners, such as jean snaps.
Barrier creams or gels (like those containing benzyldimethyl ammonium chloride) before potential exposure.

Maintain Skin Health

Apply moisturizing lotions regularly to strengthen your skin’s outer layer. Healthy, well-hydrated skin creates a better natural barrier against irritants and allergens.

Pet Precautions

Be aware that pets can transfer plant allergens, like poison ivy, to humans. If your pet has been outside in areas with these plants, give it a bath to remove any allergens from its fur.

Understanding Rash Types

It’s important to know that skin reactions can be either:

Allergic Contact Dermatitis – A true allergic reaction to a substance.
Irritant Contact Dermatitis – Inflammation from repeated exposure to something that gradually damages your skin barrier.

For example, frequent hand-washing with harsh soap doesn’t necessarily mean you’re allergic to the soap. Instead, this might be irritant contact dermatitis from repeatedly damaging your skin’s natural protective layer through excessive washing.

If you have a rash and aren’t sure if it’s an allergy or irritation, see a dermatologist. They can help determine the exact cause and recommend appropriate prevention strategies and treatments.