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Poison oak rash on the arm
Dermatitis, nickel on the sole

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Contact dermatitis

Definition

Contact dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin caused by direct contact with an irritating substance.

Alternative Names

Dermatitis - contact; Allergic dermatitis; Dermatitis - allergic; Poison ivy; Poison oak; Poison sumac

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

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
  • Rubber or latex
  • Cosmetics
  • Fabrics and clothing
  • Detergents
  • Solvents
  • Adhesives
  • Fragrances, perfumes
  • Other chemicals and substances

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.

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Eczema (11 Videos, 12 Images) Average Rating: (Doctor-Reviewed information)
Eczema is a chronic skin disorder that involves scaly and itchy rashes.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
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Diaper dermatitis - irritant-induced (2 Videos) (Doctor-Reviewed information)
Irritant-induced diaper dermatitis is a diaper rash caused by chemical irritants instead of bacterial or yeast (candida) infection.Reviewer: Rachel A. Lewis, MD, FAAP, Columbia University Pediatric Faculty Practice, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.Date: 08/15/2007
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Diaper rash (2 Images) (Doctor-Reviewed information)
A diaper rash is a skin problem that develops in the area beneath an infant's diaper.Reviewer: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Date: 08/02/2009
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Seborrheic dermatitis (2 Videos, 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 when seb...Reviewer: Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Associate, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.Date: 07/18/2007
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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. ...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
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Perioral dermatitis (1 Image) (Doctor-Reviewed information)
Perioral dermatitis is a skin disorder characterized by tiny red bumps (papules) around the mouth.Reviewer: Michael Lehrer, MD, Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network; Linda Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Date: 12/11/2009
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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.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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Health Videos


Dr. Schultz Explains Eczema Hello, I'm Dr Neal Schultz and welcome to DermTV. Today, I'm going to explain what eczema is. And in this subsequent episode, w...
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EmpowHer Asks: What is contact irritant dermatitis and what causes it? Susan Kellogg-Spadt, CRNP, PhD Director of Sexual Medicine Contact irritant dermatit...
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Treating Teen Acne Dr. Andrew Ordon: Weve invited dermatologist Doctor Tess Mauricio to help Diamante here to figure out how to treat her acne. Dr. Tess Ma...
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Sherry: About 5 million Canadians suffer from eczema, constantly itchy, dry and inflamed skin. For many, the only treatment option has been prescription cr...
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Acne is an inflammatory process of the skin. It typically takes place on the face, but may also occur on the chest and/or on the back. It can be a very pai...
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Interviewer: Dermatomyositis is a kind of autoimmune disease that affects the skin. It causes inflammation of the skin so it results in some very typical k...
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Learn about Eczema and Histamines Dermatitis is a general term encompassing various inflammatory skin conditions. The most common form of dermatitis is ato...
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Beth Gottlieb: Dermatomyositis is a kind of autoimmune disease that affects the skin. It causes inflammation of the skin so it results in some very typical...
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Health Experts, Healthline's Network of Health Experts

Poison Oak Allergic Contact Dermatitis in Medicine for the Outdoors -
Case Reviews in Clinical Dermatology, Volume 1 Issue 3, had an interesting discussion about certain aspects of poison oak/ivy dermatitis. The following are... Email
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This groups contains Amanita phalloides(death cap), Amanita virosa(destroying angel), and Galerina species. The Amanita species contain amanitins, which ar... Email