Eczema & Dermatitis
Contact Dermatitis
WHAT IS IT
A rash from skin contact with a trigger
HOW COMMON
Very common at all ages
CONTAGIOUS?
No — you cannot catch it or spread it
CURABLE?
Yes — clears when the trigger is avoided
What Is It?
Contact dermatitis is a red, itchy rash caused by something touching the skin. There are two kinds: irritant (from repeated exposure to soaps, water, or chemicals) and allergic (an immune reaction to a specific substance like nickel, fragrance, or a plant). The rash appears where the skin touched the trigger.
Signs & Symptoms
-
Red, itchy rash where skin touched the trigger
-
Sometimes blisters, weeping, or scaling
-
Burning or stinging, especially with irritants
-
A pattern matching the exposure (e.g., under jewelry)
-
Repeated flares with repeated exposure
Why Does It Happen?
Irritant contact dermatitis happens when a substance directly damages the skin barrier — common with frequent hand-washing or chemical exposure. Allergic contact dermatitis is a delayed immune reaction to an allergen such as nickel, fragrances, preservatives, or poison ivy. Finding and avoiding the trigger is the key to clearing it. It is NOT contagious.
Treatment Options
The main treatment is identifying and avoiding the trigger, while calming the skin. Patch testing can help pinpoint an allergen when the cause isn't obvious.
AVOID THE TRIGGER
Identifying and removing the cause is the most important step.
TOPICAL STEROIDS
Calm redness and itch during a flare.
BARRIER & MOISTURIZERS
Gloves, emollients, and barrier creams protect and heal the skin.
PATCH TESTING
Helps identify a specific allergen in allergic contact dermatitis.
Tips for Managing It at Home
-
Wear protective gloves for wet or chemical work
-
Choose fragrance-free, gentle skin and laundry products
-
Note what touched the skin before a flare to spot triggers
-
Moisturize often to repair the skin barrier
When to Call Your Provider
-
The rash is widespread, blistering, or very painful
-
Signs of infection: pus, spreading redness, or fever
-
Rash on the face or genitals, or near the eyes
-
No improvement despite avoiding suspected triggers
Sources & further reading
The information in this handout is based on general dermatology guidance from the reputable organizations below. These links are provided for patients who wish to read more from trusted sources.
American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). Contact Dermatitis. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/eczema/types/contact-dermatitis
Canadian Dermatology Association (CDA). Eczema. https://dermatology.ca/public-patients/diseases-conditions/skin-conditions/eczema/
DermNet. Contact Dermatitis. https://dermnetnz.org/topics/contact-dermatitis
MSD/Merck Manual. Contact Dermatitis. https://www.msdmanuals.com/professional/dermatologic-disorders/dermatitis/contact-dermatitis
This handout is for general education and does not replace advice from your own provider. Always follow your provider’s specific instructions.
← Back to all handouts