Contact Dermatitis

What is Contact Dermatitis? (Irritant vs. Allergic)

Contact dermatitis is a skin reaction that develops after your skin comes into contact with a substance that causes irritation or an allergic reaction. It commonly affects the hands, face, arms, and other areas that are exposed to the trigger. At Allergy & Asthma Physicians of Commerce Township, we help patients find what’s causing their rash at our Commerce Township and Mount Clemens offices.

There are two main types of contact dermatitis:

• Irritant contact dermatitis happens when a substance directly damages or irritates the skin. Soaps, detergents, cleaning products, solvents, and frequent handwashing are common triggers.
• Allergic contact dermatitis occurs when your immune system reacts to a specific substance. Common allergens include fragrances, preservatives, metals such as nickel, cosmetics, hair products, and certain topical medications.

Common Causes

Contact dermatitis can have many different causes. Everyday products that may trigger symptoms include soaps, shampoos, cosmetics, perfumes, jewelry, laundry products, cleaning chemicals, adhesives, and personal care products.

Some people develop a reaction because of repeated exposure, while others may become sensitized to an ingredient and react after even brief contact.

Symptoms

Symptoms of contact dermatitis can vary depending on the cause and your skin type. Common symptoms include:

• Red, irritated, or discolored skin
• Itching or burning
• Dry, cracked, or scaly skin
• Swelling
• Small bumps or blisters
• Oozing or crusting in more severe cases
• Tender or painful skin

Symptoms may appear soon after exposure or develop over the following days.

How We Diagnose It: Patch Testing

Our team will review your symptoms, examine your skin, and ask about products, medications, hobbies, and workplace exposures that could be contributing to your reaction.

Patch testing is a specialized test used to identify substances that may be causing allergic contact dermatitis. Small amounts of potential allergens are placed on patches applied to your skin, which are then checked at scheduled follow-up visits for a reaction.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the type and severity of your contact dermatitis and whether a specific trigger can be identified. The most important step is avoiding the substance causing the reaction.

We may also recommend moisturizers, topical corticosteroids or other prescription treatments to reduce inflammation and relieve itching. More persistent or severe cases may require additional treatment.

Prevention and Self-Care

Once you know what triggers your contact dermatitis, avoiding that substance can help prevent future flare-ups. Use gentle, fragrance-free skin-care products and moisturize regularly to protect your skin barrier.

When handling cleaning products or other irritants, wear appropriate protective gloves. If you frequently wash your hands, apply moisturizer afterward to help prevent dryness and cracking.

You can also see all the allergy conditions we treat.

Medically reviewed by Pulin P. Patel, DO, FACAAI