Contact dermatitis

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Contact dermatitis

Illustration of contact dermatitis

Many rashes are caused by contact with a substance that causes an allergic reaction (contact dermatitis). The rash usually starts within 48 hours after a person is exposed to the irritating substance, but may not show up for several days. A minor case of contact dermatitis may cause mild redness of the skin or a rash of small red bumps. A more severe reaction may cause swelling, redness, and larger blisters.

Common causes of contact dermatitis include:

Poisonous plants, such as poison ivy, oak, or sumac.
Soaps, detergents, shampoos, perfumes, cosmetics, or lotions.
Jewelry or fabrics.
New tools, toys, appliances, or other objects.
Latex gloves. Allergy to natural rubber latex affects people who are exposed to rubber products on a regular basis, especially health care workers, rubber industry workers, and people who have had many surgeries. Latex allergies can cause a severe reaction.

Contact dermatitis does not usually occur the first time you are exposed to the irritating substance (allergen). Once you have had a reaction to the substance, a rash can occur in response to even very small amounts of the substance.

Credits

Primary Medical Reviewer	Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Last Updated	January 12, 2006

Last updated:	January 12, 2006
Reviewed By:	Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine, H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine

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