Test Your Knowledge

The symptoms of the two major forms of contact dermatitis differ slightly. Though irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) symptoms might be more spread out on the skin, allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) symptoms tend to be confined to the area where the offending allergen (substance that triggers an exaggerated immune system response) touched the skin. In addition, a rash caused by ICD may appear immediately whereas ACD’s red rash may not appear until one to three days after exposure.

ICD is more likely to be painful or burning than itchy. Conversely, ACD tends to be very itchy. ICD often affects the hands, which have been directly exposed to the irritant (for example, immersing hands into a sink or pail of offending chemicals or soaps), especially the area between the fingers. It also can affect the face, particularly the eyelids. This type of dermatitis can take as long as a month to completely be resolved.

If the rash does not improve or continues to spread after a few days, patients are advised to see their physician. In the case of severe itching, patients are advised to go to the hospital emergency room. Severe itching could be an indication of a more serious condition.

Symptoms of both forms of contact dermatitis include:

• Blistering (if severe, open sores can form)
• Crusting
• Dryness
• Feeling of warmth at the contact site
• Itching
• Oozing fluid from contact site
• Redness
• Scaliness
• Skin thickening
• Swelling
• Tenderness of the skin in affected areas