Contact dermatitis

Very low urgency
--

Red, itchy skin rash that appears by direct contact with a substance or object.

The most frequent causes are soaps, cosmetics, latex gloves, clothing, plants and metals.

It is diagnosed by questioning and physical examination.

After contact, it is very important to wash the area well with cold water and soap to remove the irritating substance. The use of cortisone ointments and/or antihistamines may help to alleviate symptoms.

Bibliographic references
  1. Leslie P. Lawley, Calvin O. McCall y Thomas J.Lawley. Harrison. Manual de Medicina. 16º edición. 345-346.
  2. T.Gallart. Enfermedades con lesiones por respuestas de hipersensibilidad retardada. Farreras Rozman Medicina Interna Volumen 2.12ª Edición. 2714.
  3. Ale IS, Maibach HI. Irritant contact dermatitis. Rev Environ Health 2014; 29:195.
  4. Thyssen JP, Johansen JD, Linneberg A, Menné T. The epidemiology of hand eczema in the general population-prevalence and main findings. Contact Dermatitis 2010; 62:75.
  5. Jakasa I, Thyssen JO, Kezix S. The role of skin barrier in occupational contact dermatitis. Exp Dermatol 2018; 27:909.
  6. Angelova-Fischer I, Stilla T, Kezic S, et al. Barrier Function and Natural Moisturizing Factor Levels After Cumulatic Exposure to Short chain Aliphatic Alcohols and Detergents: results of Occlusion-modified Tandem Repeated Irritation Test. Acta Derm Venerol 2016; 96:880.
  7. Warshaw EM, Belsito DV, Taylor JS, et al. North American Contact Dermatitis Group patch test results: 2009 to 2010. Dermatitis 2013; 24:50.
Copyright
© TeckelMedical 2026

Symptoms

    Reddened skin


    Clustered vesicles


    Itchy skin


    Itchy fingers


    Itchy neck

Symptoms to watch out for

Fever (temperature higher than 100.4 ºF)
Persistence of symptoms for more than two weeks after initial treatment
Foul-smelling discharge
Rash affects eyes, mouth or genitals

Self-care

Avoid the irritant or allergen that is causing the rash.
Take antihistamines for itching.
Apply a cream or ointment that contains a corticosteroid.
Apply cold compresses 3 times a day for 20 minutes to reduce the symptoms.