In people with darker skin, the inflammation of skin can cause darker skin color (pigmentation). This is mild dermatitis of the forearm of an infant. This image displays scale and redness typical of dermatitis (inflammation of the skin). This image displays a child with irritant dermatitis from use of a deodorant. This image displays severe inflammation and blistering from an irritating chemical. Irritation has caused rough, scaly, and lighter skin areas around the mouth. Contact dermatitis is typically displayed as areas of redness that are not well-defined with small scabs from scratching. This image displays a child that has an allergic reaction to a plant (see red areas on the thigh) with staining from the plant berries still on the hands.
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Irritant Contact Dermatitis  A parent's guide to condition and treatment information

Picture of Irritant Contact Dermatitis: In people with darker skin, the inflammation of skin can cause darker skin color (pigmentation). Divider line
In people with darker skin, the inflammation of skin can cause darker skin color (pigmentation).
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Self-Care Guidelines
Help your child with the following:
  • Remove whatever chemical or condition is causing the irritation, and protect the skin from further exposure.
  • For irritated skin in body folds, try using a barrier cream with zinc oxide paste, such as Desitin®.
  • If the area is dry and cracked, moisturize the area frequently by dampening with water and then applying a softening cream such as petroleum jelly (Vaseline®) or a moisturizer.
  • For itchy, red areas, try applying over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream (0.5–1%) twice daily.
When to Seek Medical Care
See your child's doctor or a dermatologist if the rash does not go away with self-care measures.
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Last Modified: 22 Dec 2008
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