Skinby/Skin library/Rashes and redness
Contact dermatitis
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In short
Contact dermatitis is a type of eczema triggered by contact with a particular substance.
What it is1
Contact dermatitis is a common type of rash.
MedlinePlus
Worth knowing7
Contact dermatitis causes the skin to become itchy, blistered, dry and cracked.
NHS websiteLighter skin can become red, and darker skin can become dark brown, purple or gray.
NHS websiteThis reaction usually occurs within a few hours or days of exposure to an irritant or allergen.
NHS websiteSymptoms can affect any part of the body but most commonly the hands and face.
NHS websiteContact dermatitis can be caused by: an irritant – a substance that directly damages the outer layer of skin; an allergen – a substance that causes the immune system to respond in a way that affects the skin.
NHS websiteContact dermatitis is most commonly caused by irritants such as soaps and detergents, solvents or regular contact with water.
NHS websiteAllergic contact dermatitis is less common and can be triggered by an allergic reaction to substances found in certain products, such as cosmetics, or some metals, including nickel.
NHS website
What helps4
If you can successfully avoid the irritants or allergens that trigger your symptoms, your skin will eventually clear up.
NHS websiteIf your skin touches an allergen or irritant, rinse the affected skin with warm water and an emollient (moisturizer) as soon as possible.
NHS websiteCheck the ingredients on make-up or soap to make sure they do not contain irritants or allergens, and change products that irritate your skin.
NHS websiteApplying emollients (moisturizers) often and in large amounts keeps your skin hydrated and helps protect it from allergens and irritants.
NHS website
What to avoid1
Fragrances and other compounds found in skin products and soaps can trigger skin reactions, and so can tobacco smoke, some air pollutants and very dry skin. NIH lists these as triggers for atopic dermatitis (eczema).
National Institutes of Health
See a provider if2
see a health care provider if you have persistent, recurrent or severe symptoms of contact dermatitis.
NHS websiteSpeak to a pharmacist if your contact dermatitis is troubling you.
NHS website
Sources
- NHS website: Contact dermatitis (adapted; Open Government Licence v3.0), as at 13 October 2026
- MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine: Contact dermatitis
- National Institutes of Health (NIAMS): Contact dermatitis
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
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