The information on this website is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your physician for health concerns.

+90 850 321 50 00

Contact Dermatitis

Irritant and Allergic Skin Reactions to External Agents

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Published:

This content is for general information; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Dermatoloji department. Book Appointment →

What is Contact Dermatitis?

Irritant contact dermatitis (ICD): direct toxic damage from soaps, solvents, acids/alkalis.

Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD): T-cell–mediated delayed hypersensitivity after sensitization.

Common allergens: nickel, fragrance, preservatives, rubber accelerators, paraphenylenediamine.

Occupation and hobby history are key; patch testing identifies culprit allergens.

Symptoms

Erythema, vesicles, and oozing in acute stage
Scaling, lichenification, fissuring in chronic stage
Pruritus, burning, or stinging
Distribution matching contact pattern (watchband, earrings, shoes, gloves)
Hand dermatitis in occupational cases
Eczematous reaction at airborne or photo-distributed sites

Risk Factors

Wet work (healthcare, food service, cleaning, hairdressing)
Atopic dermatitis and impaired skin barrier
Occupational chemical exposure (metals, resins, solvents)
Cosmetics, hair dye, and perfume use
Latex/rubber and plant contact (poison ivy, Compositae)
Frequent handwashing and hand sanitizer use

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Persistent rash unresponsive to avoidance and emollients
  • Occupational dermatitis impacting work
  • Extensive, blistering, or facial reactions for patch-test evaluation

Treatment Methods

01
Identify and avoid offending irritant/allergen; read labels and SDS
02
Barrier protection: gloves, protective clothing, emollients before work
03
Topical corticosteroids (potency matched to site) for flares
04
Topical calcineurin inhibitors for facial/intertriginous areas
05
Patch testing (standard and occupation-specific series) for ACD diagnosis
06
Systemic steroids or immunosuppressants short-term for severe reactions

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Dermatoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Dermatoloji Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

Book AppointmentContact Us

Related Health Topics

Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.

Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)

Dermatoloji

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin disease commonly seen especially in children, flaring with genetic predisposition and environmental triggers.

Psoriasis

Dermatoloji

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease in which skin cells proliferate rapidly when the immune system mistakenly attacks the skin, leading to thick scaly lesions.

Acne

Dermatoloji

Acne is a skin disease resulting from clogging of hair follicles with oil and dead skin cells, commonly seen in adolescence but can occur at any age.

Rosacea

Dermatoloji

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory facial skin disease characterized by recurrent flushing, persistent erythema, telangiectasia, and inflammatory papules and pustules. Phymatous change and ocular involvement may complicate advanced disease.

Urticaria (Hives)

Dermatoloji

Urticaria is a skin condition with sudden pink-red wheals and intense itching that may follow an acute or chronic course.

Skin Fungal Infections

Dermatoloji

Skin fungal infections are common, contagious skin diseases caused by dermatophytes and yeast fungi colonizing the upper layers of the skin.

Hair Loss (Alopecia)

Dermatoloji

Alopecia is a general term for hair loss that can be genetic, hormonal, autoimmune, or nutritional; early intervention can slow progression.

Vitiligo

Dermatoloji

Vitiligo is an acquired autoimmune disease in which CD8+ T cells destroy melanocytes, producing well-demarcated depigmented patches. Early, sustained treatment can induce repigmentation and prevent progression; psychosocial impact warrants holistic care.

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.