Contact dermatitis often has slightly elevated lesions with distinct borders.
Contact dermatitis often has slightly elevated lesions with distinct borders.
This is severe allergic contact dermatitis, resulting in very thick, scaly lesions on the fingers.
This is severe allergic contact dermatitis, resulting in very thick, scaly lesions on the fingers.
Redness and fine scale can be a sign of an allergic contact dermatitis.
Redness and fine scale can be a sign of an allergic contact dermatitis.
This image displays an allergy to the nickel found in the watch case. The result is a scaly, itchy, persistent skin rash where the watch touches the skin.
This image displays an allergy to the nickel found in the watch case. The result is a scaly, itchy, persistent skin rash where the watch touches the skin.
This image displays a pink, itchy, scaly lesion due to an allergy to fragrance in a skin care product.
This image displays a pink, itchy, scaly lesion due to an allergy to fragrance in a skin care product.
This image displays contact dermatitis, also called
This image displays contact dermatitis, also called "fiddler's neck," from an allergy to the violin touching the skin.
This woman had an allergy to a cosmetic. Note the pink areas at the chin and upper lip.
This woman had an allergy to a cosmetic. Note the pink areas at the chin and upper lip.
This image displays a scaly, slightly elevated lesion due to an allergy to the nickel in an eyeglass frame.
This image displays a scaly, slightly elevated lesion due to an allergy to the nickel in an eyeglass frame.

Graphic content

Please click to view.

 This image displays a violet-colored, linear, slightly elevated lesion typical of contact dermatitis, due to an allergy to the rubber in the elastic waistband of the patient's underwear.
This image displays a violet-colored, linear, slightly elevated lesion typical of contact dermatitis, due to an allergy to the rubber in the elastic waistband of the patient's underwear.
This is irritant contact dermatitis of the web spaces and fingers.
This is irritant contact dermatitis of the web spaces and fingers.
The thin eyelid skin is a frequent site for allergic contact dermatitis due to inadvertent touching the eyelids, transferring an allergen from the fingers to the lids.
The thin eyelid skin is a frequent site for allergic contact dermatitis due to inadvertent touching the eyelids, transferring an allergen from the fingers to the lids.
Nail polish allergy is often first seen at the eyelid.
Nail polish allergy is often first seen at the eyelid.
Mild redness and itch are signs of an allergic contact dermatitis.
Mild redness and itch are signs of an allergic contact dermatitis.
This image displays allergic contact dermatitis from fragrance found in a deodorant.
This image displays allergic contact dermatitis from fragrance found in a deodorant.

Graphic content

Please click to view.

 This woman had a severe contact dermatitis due to an allergy to a cream she applied.
This woman had a severe contact dermatitis due to an allergy to a cream she applied.
This image displays contact dermatitis on the scalp and adjacent to the scalp area in a young man who was using a hair straightener.
This image displays contact dermatitis on the scalp and adjacent to the scalp area in a young man who was using a hair straightener.
An allergy to a bathing suit frabic caused this rash.
An allergy to a bathing suit frabic caused this rash.
This person had an allergy to an ingredient in the sandals she was wearing.
This person had an allergy to an ingredient in the sandals she was wearing.
This hairdresser had an allergic contact dermatitis from exposure to hair dye.
This hairdresser had an allergic contact dermatitis from exposure to hair dye.
This image displays allergic contact dermatitis on the top of the feet.
This image displays allergic contact dermatitis on the top of the feet.
Hair dyes are a frequent cause of allergic contact dermatitis (allergic skin reactions) in the scalp.
Hair dyes are a frequent cause of allergic contact dermatitis (allergic skin reactions) in the scalp.
The well-demarcated line correlates with elastic in nylon stockings that caused this allergic reaction.
The well-demarcated line correlates with elastic in nylon stockings that caused this allergic reaction.
This image displays redness around the mouth caused by an allergic reaction to mangoes.
This image displays redness around the mouth caused by an allergic reaction to mangoes.
The sharp border of the redness on the foot is due to contact dermatitis from an allergy to a substance in contact with the skin.
The sharp border of the redness on the foot is due to contact dermatitis from an allergy to a substance in contact with the skin.
Allergic contact dermatitis to earrings is common in women.
Allergic contact dermatitis to earrings is common in women.
Contact dermatitis that has been present for longer periods of time can appear like many other rashes, with redness, itching and scaling.
Contact dermatitis that has been present for longer periods of time can appear like many other rashes, with redness, itching and scaling.
The location of this rash underneath the snap on a pair of denim jeans is a clue that it is caused by nickel/metal allergy.
The location of this rash underneath the snap on a pair of denim jeans is a clue that it is caused by nickel/metal allergy.

Graphic content

Please click to view.

 The scrotum and penis are frequent sites of contact dermatitis.
The scrotum and penis are frequent sites of contact dermatitis.

Images of Allergic Contact Dermatitis (28)

Contact dermatitis often has slightly elevated lesions with distinct borders.
This is severe allergic contact dermatitis, resulting in very thick, scaly lesions on the fingers.
Redness and fine scale can be a sign of an allergic contact dermatitis.
This image displays an allergy to the nickel found in the watch case. The result is a scaly, itchy, persistent skin rash where the watch touches the skin.
This image displays a pink, itchy, scaly lesion due to an allergy to fragrance in a skin care product.
This image displays contact dermatitis, also called
This woman had an allergy to a cosmetic. Note the pink areas at the chin and upper lip.
This image displays a scaly, slightly elevated lesion due to an allergy to the nickel in an eyeglass frame.

Graphic content

 This image displays a violet-colored, linear, slightly elevated lesion typical of contact dermatitis, due to an allergy to the rubber in the elastic waistband of the patient's underwear.
This is irritant contact dermatitis of the web spaces and fingers.
The thin eyelid skin is a frequent site for allergic contact dermatitis due to inadvertent touching the eyelids, transferring an allergen from the fingers to the lids.
Nail polish allergy is often first seen at the eyelid.
Mild redness and itch are signs of an allergic contact dermatitis.
This image displays allergic contact dermatitis from fragrance found in a deodorant.

Graphic content

 This woman had a severe contact dermatitis due to an allergy to a cream she applied.
This image displays contact dermatitis on the scalp and adjacent to the scalp area in a young man who was using a hair straightener.
An allergy to a bathing suit frabic caused this rash.
This person had an allergy to an ingredient in the sandals she was wearing.
This hairdresser had an allergic contact dermatitis from exposure to hair dye.
This image displays allergic contact dermatitis on the top of the feet.
Hair dyes are a frequent cause of allergic contact dermatitis (allergic skin reactions) in the scalp.
The well-demarcated line correlates with elastic in nylon stockings that caused this allergic reaction.
This image displays redness around the mouth caused by an allergic reaction to mangoes.
The sharp border of the redness on the foot is due to contact dermatitis from an allergy to a substance in contact with the skin.
Allergic contact dermatitis to earrings is common in women.
Contact dermatitis that has been present for longer periods of time can appear like many other rashes, with redness, itching and scaling.
The location of this rash underneath the snap on a pair of denim jeans is a clue that it is caused by nickel/metal allergy.

Graphic content

 The scrotum and penis are frequent sites of contact dermatitis.

Allergic Contact Dermatitis

Allergic contact dermatitis is a delayed hypersensitivity reaction (the reaction to the allergen occurs 48–72 hours after exposure). The most common allergens causing allergic contact dermatitis often change with time, as certain chemicals come in or out of use in the manufacture of products that come in contact with the skin. Most recently, common causes of allergic contact dermatitis include nickel, chromates, rubber chemicals, and topical antibiotic ointments and creams. Frequent sensitizers in the general population also include fragrance, formaldehyde, lanolin (wool grease found in ointments and cosmetics), and a host of other common environmental chemicals.

  • Nickel is found in jewelry, belt buckles, metal closures on clothing, and some cell phones.
  • Chromates are used in the process of tanning leather for shoes and in cement, so they can affect construction workers who are in contact with cement.
  • Rubber chemicals are found in gloves, balloons, elastic in garments, mouse pads, and swim goggles.
  • Neomycin is common in triple antibiotic first aid ointments such as Neosporin® (and generic versions of Neosporin) as well as other combination preparations with other antibacterials (eg, Polysporin®). It may also be found in eye preparations and eardrops. Bacitracin is a common ingredient in antibiotic ointments and creams and can cause allergic contact dermatitis as well.
  • Common allergen-containing products include cosmetics, soaps, dyes, and jewelry.
  • Poison ivy is a frequent cause and is discussed separately.


Who's At Risk?

Allergic contact dermatitis can occur at any age in people of all ethnic backgrounds. Individuals with a skin condition (such as stasis dermatitis, otitis externa, or pruritus ani) requiring frequent application of topical agents can develop allergic contact dermatitis over time.

Signs & Symptoms

Allergic contact dermatitis may occur on any location of the body.

  • Scaly red to pink areas of elevated skin (papules and plaques) and blisters (vesicles) may be seen. Individual lesions have distinct borders and often have a geometric shape with straight edges and sharp angles.
  • Eyelid swelling is frequently seen when the allergen is unknowingly transferred from finger to lid. Affected areas are typically severely itchy.
  • When the dermatitis is long-standing, the areas of elevation become thick and secondary bacterial infection is possible.

Self-Care Guidelines

  • Avoid the offending agent.
  • It may be helpful to avoid common triggers, such as fragrance, lanolin, nickel, etc.

Treatments

Treatment is aimed at preventing contact with the allergen.

  • Symptomatic control of itching may include oral antihistamines.
  • Medium- and high-potency topical steroids may be prescribed for rashes occurring on the extremities or trunk.
  • Mild-potency topical steroids may be prescribed for thinner skin on the face and skin fold areas.
  • In severe cases involving large body areas, a course of an oral steroid (prednisone) may be prescribed.

Visit Urgency

Seek medical evaluation for a persistent or recurrent rash of unknown origin. Your physician may perform patch testing to evaluate for potential contact allergies. Skin biopsy is sometimes used to confirm diagnosis.

Trusted Links

References

ia, Jean L., ed. Dermatology, pp.227, 252-256. New York: Mosby, 2003.

Freedberg, Irwin M., ed. Fitzpatrick’s Dermatology in General Medicine. 6th ed, pp.266, 1164-1165. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2003.

Disease Groups: Chronic Itchy Skin Rashes in Adults, Common Conditions Affecting the Genitals, Itchy Hands or Feet, Mouth Sores and Lip Conditions, New Itchy Skin Rashes in Adults

Last modified on October 11th, 2022 at 2:36 pm

Not sure what to look for?

Try our new Rash and Skin Condition Finder

Age
Gender
Submit