This is mild dermatitis of the forearm of an infant.
This is mild dermatitis of the forearm of an infant.
This image displays inflammation and rash typical of irritant contact dermatitis due to frequent wetting and drying of the skin.
This image displays inflammation and rash typical of irritant contact dermatitis due to frequent wetting and drying of the skin.
The cheeks are a frequent site of irritant contact dermatitis from constant wetting and drying.
The cheeks are a frequent site of irritant contact dermatitis from constant wetting and drying.
This hospitalized infant with contact irritant dermatitis had chaffing and irritation from the bandage around the neck.
This hospitalized infant with contact irritant dermatitis had chaffing and irritation from the bandage around the neck.
Constant drooling around this pacifier caused irritant contact dermatitis (skin inflammation).
Constant drooling around this pacifier caused irritant contact dermatitis (skin inflammation).
This image displays severe inflammation and blistering from an irritating chemical.
This image displays severe inflammation and blistering from an irritating chemical.

Graphic content

Please click to view.

 Multiple raw and eroded areas of skin around the anus and vulvar area may occur from fecal irritation if the diaper is not changed in time.
Multiple raw and eroded areas of skin around the anus and vulvar area may occur from fecal irritation if the diaper is not changed in time.

Images of Irritant Contact Dermatitis (7)

This is mild dermatitis of the forearm of an infant.
This image displays inflammation and rash typical of irritant contact dermatitis due to frequent wetting and drying of the skin.
The cheeks are a frequent site of irritant contact dermatitis from constant wetting and drying.
This hospitalized infant with contact irritant dermatitis had chaffing and irritation from the bandage around the neck.
Constant drooling around this pacifier caused irritant contact dermatitis (skin inflammation).
This image displays severe inflammation and blistering from an irritating chemical.

Graphic content

 Multiple raw and eroded areas of skin around the anus and vulvar area may occur from fecal irritation if the diaper is not changed in time.

Irritant Contact Dermatitis

Dermatitis, in general, refers to an inflammation of the skin. Irritant contact dermatitis, specifically, is an inflammation of the skin caused by contact with a foreign substance. This can be any chemical substance, including soaps, detergents, and fabric softeners. The reaction can look like a burn.

Infants experiencing irritant contact dermatitis will usually be fussy. There may be obvious skin irritation, including inflammation, swelling of the area, and warmth. The rash will be confined to the specific area that came into contact with the offending agent. The onset of the skin reaction in irritant contact dermatitis is immediate, as opposed to allergic contact dermatitis, where there is a delayed reaction in which the offending substance causes production of antibodies that cause the rash to develop.



Who's At Risk?

The most common irritant contact dermatitis in infants is diaper rash (diaper dermatitis). In this case, there is a skin reaction in the diaper area caused by prolonged contact with the natural chemicals found in urine and stool.

Other irritant contact dermatitis in an infant may be found around the mouth, due to skin contact with baby food or drooling.

Signs & Symptoms

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

They may appear as pink-to-red lesions. Sheets of skin (plaques) develop surface hardening (scale) and cracking (fissuring) in areas of long-term (chronic) exposure. If the lesions appear quickly (acutely), patches of affected skin may have a sharp border at the exposed areas. On the fingertips, you might see peeling of the skin, cracks, and scaling.

Self-Care Guidelines

  • Remove whatever chemical or condition is causing the irritation, and protect the skin from further exposure.
  • For irritated skin in body folds, try using a barrier cream with zinc oxide paste, such as Desitin®.
  • If the area is dry and cracked, moisturize the area frequently by dampening with water and then applying a softening cream (emollient) such as petroleum jelly or a moisturizer.
  • For itchy, red areas, try applying over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream (0.5–1%) twice daily.

Treatments

  • The doctor may recommend applying petroleum jelly (Vaseline®) or a thick moisturizing cream directly to your child’s wet skin after bathing.
  • Apply these creams frequently (at least twice daily) to moisturize and protect the skin.
  • The doctor may prescribe mild- to moderate-potency topical steroids if inflammation is present.

Visit Urgency

See your child’s doctor or a dermatologist if the rash does not go away 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. 6th 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 August 16th, 2022 at 2:45 pm

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