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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Overview
Irritant contact dermatitis is caused by direct chemical injury, repeated rubbing (friction), or injury of any kind to the skin. Irritant contact dermatitis is not the same as true allergic contact dermatitis, which is a delayed allergic response caused by a reaction with the immune system, where a rash appears 48–72 hours after exposure to the triggering substance (an allergen).

People with irritant contact dermatitis usually have burning or stinging soon after the rash appears. Symptoms and rash associated with irritant contact dermatitis usually occur within hours if exposed to a strong irritant. As the irritation continues and the skin becomes constantly inflamed, the burning, stinging rash can become severe.
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Last Modified: 22 Dec 2008
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