In people with darker skin, the inflammation of skin can cause darker skin color (pigmentation). This is mild dermatitis of the forearm of an infant. This image displays scale and redness typical of dermatitis (inflammation of the skin). This image displays a child with irritant dermatitis from use of a deodorant. This image displays severe inflammation and blistering from an irritating chemical. Irritation has caused rough, scaly, and lighter skin areas around the mouth. Contact dermatitis is typically displayed as areas of redness that are not well-defined with small scabs from scratching. This image displays a child that has an allergic reaction to a plant (see red areas on the thigh) with staining from the plant berries still on the hands.
Top Background Graphic
About Us | Contact Us | Site Map
Text Size SmallText Size MediumText Size Large
VisualDxHealth - Your guide to a clear picture of health
Health ToolsHealth TopicsDisease ListWidgetsFor Doctors

Irritant Contact Dermatitis:
A parent's guide to condition and treatment information

Left Nav Bottom
Try our Disease Finder
Page Tools Top Graphic
Page Tools Top Graphic
Page Tools Bottom Graphic
Page Tools Bottom Graphic
Picture of Irritant Contact Dermatitis: In people with darker skin, the inflammation of skin can cause darker skin color (pigmentation). Divider line
In people with darker skin, the inflammation of skin can cause darker skin color (pigmentation).
left arrow
right arrow
Overview
Irritant contact dermatitis is caused by direct chemical injury, repeated rubbing (friction), or injury of any kind to the skin. Irritant contact dermatitis is not the same as true allergic contact dermatitis, which is a delayed allergic response caused by a reaction with the immune system, where a rash appears 48–72 hours after exposure to the triggering substance (an allergen).

People with irritant contact dermatitis usually have burning or stinging soon after the rash appears. Symptoms and rash associated with irritant contact dermatitis usually occur within hours if exposed to a strong irritant. As the irritation continues and the skin becomes constantly inflamed, the burning, stinging rash can become severe.  
Last Modified: 29 Jan 2008

Next: Who's At Risk

HON CODE Seal. Accredited 3/2007
We comply with HONcode standards
for health information
verify here

Copyright © 2006-2008 Logical Images, Inc. All rights reserved.

The data contained in the VisualDxHealth™ Worldwide Web pages such as text, images, and graphics are for informational purposes only. The data is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment. Please see our disclaimer.