Contact dermatitis symptoms typically appear on areas of the skin that have been directly exposed to an irritant or allergen. Common signs include:

• Red rash that develops within hours or days of contact
• Itching, which can range from mild to severe
• Dry, cracked, or scaly skin
• Blisters or oozing lesions in more severe cases
• Burning or stinging sensations at the site of exposure
• Well-defined borders that often match the shape of the triggering object (for example, a watchband, ring, or cosmetic applicator)

Symptoms usually resolve once the trigger is removed, but repeated or ongoing exposure can cause chronic irritation.

There are two main types of contact dermatitis:

1. Irritant Contact Dermatitis – The most common form, caused by direct chemical or physical damage to the skin barrier. Examples include harsh soaps, cleaning products, solvents, and repeated water exposure.
2. Allergic Contact Dermatitis – An immune reaction triggered by substances (allergens) that the body recognizes as foreign, even in small amounts.

The severity of a reaction depends on the substance, duration of exposure, and individual sensitivity.

While hundreds of substances can trigger allergic contact dermatitis, these are the seven most common allergens:

1. Nickel – Found in jewelry, watchbands, belt buckles, zippers, eyeglass frames, and cell phones.
2. Fragrances – Present in perfumes, lotions, shampoos, deodorants, cleaning products, and candles.
3. Preservatives – Such as formaldehyde releasers, methylisothiazolinone, and parabens, commonly found in cosmetics, shampoos, lotions, and household cleaners.
4. Hair Dyes (Paraphenylenediamine, or PPD) – Present in permanent hair coloring products.
5. Rubber (Latex and Rubber Accelerators) – Found in gloves, elastic in clothing, footwear, and sports equipment.
6. Topical Antibiotics (Neomycin, Bacitracin) – Commonly used in over-the-counter first-aid ointments.
7. Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac (Urushiol oil) – Found in plants that release an allergenic oil on contact.

Knowing these common triggers can help patients and dermatologists work together to avoid repeat exposures.

At Peak Skin Center, diagnosis begins with a thorough history and physical exam. We’ll ask about your work, hobbies, skincare products, and recent exposures to identify possible triggers.

If the cause is not obvious, we may recommend a referral for patch testing. This diagnostic tool places small amounts of common allergens on the skin (usually the back) and checks for reactions after 48–96 hours. Patch testing helps confirm allergic contact dermatitis and identify specific culprits.

Treatment for contact dermatitis focuses on relieving symptoms, repairing the skin barrier, and preventing future reactions.

Avoidance of Triggers

• Identifying and avoiding the causative irritant or allergen is the cornerstone of treatment.
• Once identified, lifestyle modifications, product changes, or protective measures (like gloves) can dramatically reduce flares.

Topical Therapies

• Moisturizers and emollients: Strengthen the skin barrier and reduce dryness.
• Topical corticosteroids: Reduce redness, itching, and inflammation during flares.
• Topical calcineurin inhibitors (tacrolimus, pimecrolimus): Useful for sensitive areas such as the face or eyelids.

Oral Medications

• Oral antihistamines: Help reduce itching and improve comfort.
• Oral corticosteroids: Sometimes used for severe or widespread reactions, particularly from poison ivy or oak.

Supportive Care

• Cool compresses or oatmeal baths can soothe irritation.
• Gentle cleansers and fragrance-free products are recommended to minimize further irritation.