Skin Disorders Health Channel

	Feature Article Illustrations for this article Click on an image below to enlarge Poison oak rash on the arm Dermatitis, nickel on the sole Show all 11 photos 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 individual 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. The second most common type of contact dermatitis is caused by exposure to a material to which the person has become hypersensitive or allergic. The skin inflammation varies from mild irritation and redness to open sores, depending on the type of irritant, the body part affected, and the sensitivity of the individual. 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 Antibiotics, especially those applied to the surface of the skin (topical) Topical anesthetics Other medications Rubber Cosmetics Fabrics and clothing Detergents Solvents Adhesives Fragrances, perfumes Other chemicals and substances Contact dermatitis may involve a reaction to a substance that the person is exposed to or uses repeatedly. Although there may be no initial reaction, repeated 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 cause eventual sensitization 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. Symptoms Itching (pruritus) of the skin in exposed areas Skin redness or inflammation in the exposed area Tenderness of the skin in the exposed area Localized swelling of the skin Warmth of the exposed area (may occur) Skin lesion or rash at the site of exposure Lesions of any type: redness, rash ... Continue reading this article

More Articles

Skin cancer (6 Videos, 15 Images) (Doctor-Reviewed information)
Skin cancer is the uncontrolled growth of skin cells. If left unchecked, these cancer cells can spread from the skin into other tissues and organs. There are different types of skin cancer. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common. Melanoma is less common, but more dangerous. Reviewer: Michael S. Lehrer, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.Date: 10/26/2006
Email  |  Save

Acne (3 Videos, 12 Images) Average Rating: (Doctor-Reviewed information)
Acne is a skin condition characterized by whiteheads, blackheads, and inflamed red pimples or "zits." Reviewer: Michael Lehrer, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Date: 10/17/2007
Email  |  Save

Cellulitis (2 Images) (Doctor-Reviewed information)
Cellulitis is an acute inflammation of the connective tissue of the skin, caused by infection with staphylococcus, streptococcus or other bacteria (see also Erysipelas. Reviewer: Shlomit Halachmi, MD, PhD, Private Practice Specializing in Dermatology, Somerville, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.Date: 07/27/2006
Email  |  Save

Eczema (5 Videos, 11 Images) Average Rating: (Doctor-Reviewed information)
Eczema is a chronic skin disorder that involves scaly and itchy rashes. Eczema is also called atopic dermatitis. Reviewer: Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Associate, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.Date: 07/18/2007
Email  |  Save

Diaper dermatitis - irritant-induced (2 Images) (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
Email  |  Save

Athlete's foot (1 Image) (Doctor-Reviewed information)
Athlete's foot is an infection of the feet caused by fungus. The medical term is tinea pedis. Athlete's foot may last for a short or long time and may come back after treatment. Reviewer: Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Associate, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.Date: 04/12/2007
Email  |  Save

Skin care and incontinence (2 Videos, 1 Image) (Doctor-Reviewed information)
Reviewer: Sandra W. Cohen, M.D. Private Practice specializing in geriatrics, Brooklyn,NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.Date: 04/28/2006
Email  |  Save

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, include eczema, psoriasis, and allergic reactions. Reviewer: Michael S. Lehrer, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.Date: 05/03/2006
Email  |  Save

Acanthosis nigricans (2 Images) (Doctor-Reviewed information)
Acanthosis nigricans is a skin disorder characterized by dark, thick, velvety skin in body folds and creases. Reviewer: Shlomit Halachmi, MD, PhD, Private Practice Specializing in Dermatology, Somerville, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.Date: 07/27/2006
Email  |  Save

Dyshidrotic eczema (1 Image) (Doctor-Reviewed information)
Dyshidrotic eczema is a condition in which small, itchy blisters develop on the hands and feet. Reviewer: Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Associate, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.Date: 04/12/2007
Email  |  Save

Cutaneous skin tags (1 Image) (Doctor-Reviewed information)
Cutaneous skin tags are skin problems involving small, generally benign skin growths. Reviewer: Michael S. Lehrer, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.Date: 05/03/2006
Email  |  Save

Scalded skin syndrome (Doctor-Reviewed information)
Scalded skin syndrome is a skin infection characterized by damage to the skin, with marked shedding (exfoliation. It usually affects infants and children under the age of 5. Reviewer: Daniel Rauch, MD, FAAP, Director, Pediatric Hospitalist Program, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.Date: 12/01/2005
Email  |  Save

Xanthoma (4 Images) (Doctor-Reviewed information)
Xanthoma is a skin condition in which fat builds up under the surface of the skin. Reviewer: Michael S. Lehrer, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.Date: 04/16/2007
Email  |  Save

Use Healthline to search the web for more Skin Disorders information.