skin disorders
Contact Dermatitis
Introduction
Contact dermatitis is skin inflammation caused by direct contact with a particular substance. The rash may be itchy, is confined to a specific area, and often has clearly defined boundaries. Contact dermatitis is caused by either an irritant or an allergic reaction. A rash develops and may be itchy or painful or both. Doctors base the diagnosis on the appearance of the rash and a history of substances a person may have been exposed to. People should avoid or protect themselves from substances that cause the dermatitis. Treatment includes removing the substance that is causing the dermatitis, taking measures to relieve itching, applying corticosteroids to the skin, and sometimes applying dressings. (See also Overview of Dermatitis .) Substances can cause skin inflammation by one of two mechanisms: Irritation (irritant contact dermatitis) Allergic reaction (allergic contact dermatitis) 