This image displays fluid-filled blisters from an intense allergic reaction to a topical ointment. Contact dermatitis, though rare, can be caused by allergic skin reactions in infants and children. This hospitalized infant had an allergic contact dermatitis involving the legs and abdomen. This image displays a red patch of contact dermatitis on the buttocks. Contact dermatitis can have multiple areas of skin involvement. An allergic contact dermatitis is usually worse than an irritant diaper rash; this baby has blisters from a severe reaction to a diaper ointment.
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Allergic Contact Dermatitis (Pediatric)  A parent's guide for infants and babies

Picture of Allergic Contact Dermatitis (Pediatric): This image displays fluid-filled blisters from an intense allergic reaction to a topical ointment. Divider line
This image displays fluid-filled blisters from an intense allergic reaction to a topical ointment.
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Signs and Symptoms
Contact dermatitis may occur anywhere on the body. Exposed areas such as the arms, legs, and face are most often affected. Scaly red-to-pink sheets of skin (plaques) and blisters may appear. Individual lesions have distinct (well-demarcated) borders and often assume shapes with straight edges and right angles. Eyelid swelling frequently occurs when the allergen is transferred from your finger to your eyelid. Affected areas are usually severely itchy.

When the dermatitis is long-standing, thickened plaques develop, and infection with bacteria may occur.
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Last Modified: 22 Dec 2008
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