Dermatitis

Dermatitis means "inflammation of the skin". Two main types are allergic contact dermatitis, and irritant contact dermatitis, both sharing the features of redness, itching, swelling, scaling or blistering.

Allergic contact dermatitis is a reaction to contact with a substance to which the individual is allergic. For example, someone with an allergy to nickel in jewellery may get a rash on the skin where it is worn. Other causes include fragrances and preservatives in cosmetics, soaps, shampoos and lotions; colours in hair dyes and textiles; latex and other chemicals in rubber gloves; and some plants. There is often a delay in the appearance of the rash for up to 2 days after exposure. Patch testing is commonly used to diagnose allergic contact dermatitis.