Contact dermatitis might be caused by an irritant or an allergen.
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Contact dermatitis is a rash caused by direct contact with certain substances. Or it can be caused by an allergic reaction to certain substances. Irritant contact dermatitis (A) usually produces a dry, scaly, itchy rash. Many substances, such as cleaning products or industrial chemicals, cause this condition.

Allergic contact dermatitis (B) produces a very itchy rash with bumps, swelling and sometimes blisters, as with this case of poison ivy. Common allergy-causing agents (allergens) are latex rubber, nickel and poison ivy. Allergic contact dermatitis develops after an initial exposure to the allergen.

To treat your rash, try to figure out what caused it and avoid that substance. You can also apply medicated cream to ease the discomfort of your symptoms.

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See more Multimedia Oct. 13, 2022