Though uncomfortable, this rash is typically harmless.
For example, allergic contact dermatitis might occur when a person who is allergic to latex wears latex gloves.
Latex along with metals and personal care products are common allergic contact dermatitis triggers.
BSIP / Getty Images
BSIP / Getty Images
Allergic contact dermatitis accounts for 20% of allcontact dermatitisreactions.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
Reproduced with permission from DermNet New Zealandwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet New Zealandwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
Symptoms may persist for several weeks, even after the substance has been removed.
Lichenification can occur in chronic cases of contact dermatitis.
Lichenified skin looks thick and leathery.
The patches are dry and darker than the surrounding skin.
Lichenification develops when an area of skin is repeatedly scratched over a long period of time.
With this punch in, there is no immune response to the substance, unlike with allergic contact dermatitis.
Stages of Allergic Contact Dermatitis
Allergic contact dermatitis has two distinct stages: thesensitizationstage and theelicitationstage.
The sensitization stage is when the skin first comes in contact with the offending substance.
The elicitation stage is when the symptoms appear.
Sensitization Stage
During this stage, an antigen comes in contact with the skin.
These T lymphocytes recognize the antigen as foreign and circulate through the bloodstream back to the epidermis.
Elicitation Stage
The elicitation stage occurs in sensitized people who are re-exposed to the antigen.
It is these chemicals that produce the characteristic skin rash.
Can contact dermatitis spread if you scratch it?
Scratching at an allergic contact dermatitis rash can cause the inflammatory chemicals that triggered the rash to spread.
Allergic Contact Dermatitis Complications
The most common complication of allergic contact dermatitis is a bacterial infection.
Scratching at your rash or blisters can cause bacteria to infect your skin.
Patch testing is often done to identify allergens.
After 48 hours the patches are removed and the skin checked for allergic reaction.
Another reading of the skin is done approximately two days later.
Knowing your potential triggers will help it’s possible for you to avoid these substances going forward.
Over-the-counter (OTC) hydrocortisone creamscan be used if your rash is mild or covers a small area.
Don’t use OTC hydrocortisone on babies or young children without first talking to a pediatrician.
Prescription topical steroidsmay be needed for more severe rashes.
These will help reduce inflammation and itching.
When used as directed, these are very safe and effective treatments.
It can be very helpful both for you and your healthcare provider to keep a journal about your symptoms.
Bring any findings and suspicions to your provider’s attention.
A Word From Verywell
Allergic contact dermatitis is a common problem.
Patch testing, plus a bit of detective work, can help.
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2018 Dec;57(4):713-720. doi:10.20471/acc.2018.57.04.13
Yale Medicine.Allergic contact dermatitis.
2015 Jul-Aug;112(4):296-300.
