Question

What is contact dermatitis?

Answer 1

Dermatitis is the medical term for skin inflammation (irritation). Contact dermatitis is an allergic or irritant reaction that causes a painful or itchy skin rash. As the name suggests, you get contact dermatitis from coming into contact with an allergen (like poison ivy) or an irritant (like a chemical).

Comments

An allergic or irritant reaction causing contact dermatitis is uncomfortable but not contagious. Find out how to treat, or better yet, prevent that red, itchy rash on your skin. Visit your healthcare provider if it won’t go away.

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Contact dermatitis is uncomfortable and can be painful or itchy. Talk to your healthcare provider about how you can find out what’s causing it, reduce your exposure and prevent reactions. You might develop contact dermatitis from working with irritants or chemicals. Ask your employer about how you can minimize rashes while remaining on the job.