What is contact dermatitis?

Detailed answer

Contact dermatitis is a common skin condition that occurs when the skin comes into direct contact with a substance that either irritates or triggers an allergic reaction. The irritant type of contact dermatitis is caused by substances like soaps, detergents, cleaning products, or chemicals, which can strip away the natural oils and protective barrier of the skin, leading to redness, itching, and sometimes blisters. Allergic contact dermatitis, on the other hand, is an immune response that occurs when the skin develops sensitivity to certain substances, such as metals (like nickel or gold), fragrances, latex, cosmetics, or plants (like poison ivy or poison oak). It typically manifests as redness, swelling, itching, and sometimes oozing or blistering. It's important to identify the offending substances and avoid further contact to prevent and manage contact dermatitis.