What should you know about skin contact dermatitis?

The reaction may follow soaps, fragrances, cosmetics, metals, plants, adhesives, or workplace materials. Irritant contact dermatitis damages the skin barrier directly; allergic contact dermatitis involves a delayed immune response. Redness, scaling, swelling, small blisters, soreness, and cracks can appear where exposure occurred, although the area may spread beyond the contact zone. Read more about Contact Dermatitis, Itchy Skin, Skin Rash, or Skin Redness.

Stop the suspected product or material and gently rinse the area with lukewarm water. Avoid scratching, scrubbing, and introducing new fragranced products while the skin settles. Apply a bland moisturiser or consider Emollient Therapy to support the skin barrier. A clinician can help identify an allergen, recommend suitable anti-inflammatory treatment, and discuss patch testing when reactions keep returning. Keep a simple record of new products, jewellery, gloves, or activities before each flare.

Arrange medical assessment if the rash is extensive, painful, repeatedly blistering, leaking fluid, or failing to improve after avoiding the suspected trigger. Seek urgent help for rapidly increasing facial swelling, trouble breathing, faintness, fever with a spreading hot rash, or involvement of the eyes. Do not pop blisters or apply prescription medication borrowed from someone else.

Which exposure best fits the rash pattern? Could an allergy test or patch test help? What treatment is appropriate for this body area? How should I protect my skin at work or during washing?