Contact Dermatitis Causes & Risks

Causes

Contact dermatitis is usually caused by either an irritant or an allergen. An irritant is a substance that irritates the skin. An allergen is a substance that causes an allergic reaction. People may be exposed to certain substances for years and never have a problem, and then suddenly develop contact dermatitis.

Some common causes of contact dermatitis include:

Acids
Alkalis
Solvents
Acetone
Soaps
Detergents
Metals, such as nickel (common in jewelry allergy)
Rubber
Latex
Cosmetics and toiletries
Deodorants
Preservatives
Plants, such as poison ivy
Medications

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.

Contact with an irritant or allergen
Allergies to certain substances, such as plants, chemicals, or medications

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2024 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.