Overview

What Is Contact Dermatitis?

Contact dermatitis is a skin rash that forms when an irritant comes in contact with the skin or an allergen causes a reaction on the skin. The allergic response that’s triggered can cause redness and swelling, blistering, itching and temporary skin thickness.

Contact dermatitis can happen to anyone, but certain professions and pastimes bring a higher risk of developing the condition, including:

  • Health care providers
  • Mechanics
  • Construction workers and metalworkers
  • Custodians and cleaners
  • Aestheticians and hair stylists
  • Farmers and gardeners
  • Chefs

Contact dermatitis is usually not very serious, but it can get infected with vigorous scratching or long-term inflammation.