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Mild severity
· Dermatology
Contact Dermatitis
Allergic or irritant skin rash
An itchy red rash where the skin touched something irritating or allergenic, such as a metal, soap or plant. It settles once the trigger is avoided.
At a glance
- Prevalence
- Very common
- Typical age
- All ages
- Outlook
- Resolves once trigger is removed
- System
- Skin
Reviewed by a verified Dermatology doctor
What causes it
Causes
- Irritants like soaps and detergents
- Allergens such as nickel or cosmetics
- Certain plants and chemicals
- Frequent wet work
- Sensitive or broken skin
How it feels
Symptoms & effects
- Red, itchy rash at contact site
- Burning or stinging
- Dry, cracked or scaly skin
- Blisters in strong reactions
- Swelling in the area
How it’s treated
Treatment & cure
- Identify and avoid the trigger
- Topical steroid creams
- Moisturisers and barrier creams
- Antihistamines for itch
- Patch testing for persistent cases
Staying ahead
Prevention
- Identify and avoid known triggers
- Wear gloves for wet or chemical work
- Moisturise regularly
- Use mild, fragrance-free products
Do’s
- Note what touched the skin before flares
- Use gentle, fragrance-free cleansers
- Moisturise after washing
- Wear protective gloves when needed
Don’ts
- Keep using the irritating product
- Scratch the rash
- Apply strong steroids long-term unsupervised
- Ignore a spreading or weeping rash
See a doctor immediately if
Symptoms are sudden or severe, getting worse despite home care, or interfering with sleep, work or daily life. Don’t self-diagnose from the internet — book a verified clinician below.
Top specialists
See all dermatology doctors Top 4 doctors for Contact Dermatitis
Ranked by patient rating, years of experience and review volume. All verified by MediConsult’s clinical team.
VM
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Disclaimer ·
This article is educational and reviewed by clinicians, but it cannot replace an in-person assessment.
Medication doses, prevention advice and treatment choices vary by person. Always confirm with a doctor before acting on anything here.