This image displays scaling bumps and slightly elevated lesions typical of dermatitis, with severe involvement in the patient's armpit.

This image displays fine scaling of this large grouping of slightly elevated lesions typical of dermatitis.

Irritant contact dermatitis from friction.

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This image displays irritant dermatitis, an irritation caused by a direct chemical reaction or friction on the skin.

This image displays scale and redness typical of dermatitis (inflammation of the skin).

This image displays severe inflammation and blistering from an irritating chemical.

This image displays irritant dermatitis from tobacco and handling cigarettes.

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Excessive friction can cause a breakdown (irritant contact dermatitis) of the fragile genital skin.

This image displays a patient with irritant contact dermatitis due to chronic exposure to gasoline and oil products.

This image displays a patient with irritant dermatitis caused by application of ?mustard? plaster.

This image displays a severe case of irritant dermatitis.

This image displays irritant dermatitis on the hand.

This women had irritation of the scalp, ear and cheek from a "permanent wave" solution.

This image displays irritant dermatitis caused by a chemical trapped below the patient's ring.

Reactions to perming solutions often affect the neck and backs of the ears more than the skin of the scalp, as seen in this image.

This image displays scaly, red, cracked skin typical of irritant dermatitis.

Images of Irritant Contact Dermatitis (16)

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Irritant Contact Dermatitis

Irritant contact dermatitis is an inflammatory rash caused by direct chemical injury to the skin. Unlike allergic contact dermatitis, which appears 48–72 hours after exposure to an allergen, the symptoms of irritant contact dermatitis can result within a few hours if the exposure is a strong irritant.

Patients typically present complaining of a burning or stinging early in the course of irritant contact dermatitis.
As the irritation becomes chronic and the skin becomes continually inflamed, itching can become a predominant symptom.

Who's At Risk?

Irritant contact dermatitis can occur at any age.

Patients with a history of eczema (atopic dermatitis) are particularly predisposed.
Environmental factors include frequent hand washing and repeated exposure to water, solvents, fiberglass, mild acids, and alkalis.
Dry air can predispose to irritant contact dermatitis.

Signs & Symptoms

The most common location for irritant contact dermatitis is the hands, though any body surface can be involved, including the genitals.

Lesions can appear pink to red.
In chronic cases, affected areas may develop scale and cracks.
In acute cases, areas may have a sharp border corresponding to the areas of chemical exposure.
On the fingertips, peeling of the skin, cracks, and scaling may be noted.

Self-Care Guidelines

Remove the offending exposure and protect the skin from re-exposure.
For irritated skin in body folds, consider a barrier cream with zinc oxide paste, such as Desitin®.

Treatments

Your physician may recommend that you use petroleum jelly or a thick moisturizing cream applied directly to wet skin after bathing. Apply frequently (at least twice daily) to moisturize and protect the skin.
Mild- to mid-potency topical steroids may be prescribed if inflammation is pronounced.

Visit Urgency

Seek medical evaluation for a rash that does not resolve with self-care measures.

Trusted Links

References

Bolognia, Jean L., ed. Dermatology, pp.227, 241-249. New York: Mosby, 2003.

Freedberg, Irwin M., ed. Fitzpatrick’s Dermatology in General Medicine. 6^th ed, pp.1309-1314, 2370. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2003.

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

Last modified on October 11th, 2022 at 2:38 pm

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