This is mild dermatitis of the forearm of an infant. This image displays inflammation and rash typical of irritant contact dermatitis due to frequent wetting and drying of the skin. The cheeks are a frequent site of irritant contact dermatitis from constant wetting and drying. This hospitalized infant with contact irritant dermatitis had chaffing and irritation from the bandage around the neck. Constant drooling around this pacifier caused irritant contact dermatitis (skin inflammation). This image displays severe inflammation and blistering from an irritating chemical.
Share |

Irritant Contact Dermatitis  A parent's guide for infants and babies

Picture of Irritant Contact Dermatitis: This is mild dermatitis of the forearm of an infant. Divider line
This is mild dermatitis of the forearm of an infant.
left arrow
right arrow
Signs and Symptoms
The most common location for irritant contact dermatitis is the hands, although any body surface can be affected, including the genitals.

They may appear as pink-to-red lesions. Sheets of skin (plaques) develop surface hardening (scale) and cracking (fissuring) in areas of long-term (chronic) exposure. If the lesions appear quickly (acutely), patches of affected skin may have a sharp border at the exposed areas. On the fingertips, you might see peeling of the skin, cracks, and scaling.
Prev: Who's At Risk | Self-Care Guidelines Next:
Last Modified: 22 Dec 2008
skinmatters blog, skin health and skin care advice from experts
skin condition finder, over 170 skin conditions and thousands of medical pictures
ask the doctor, skin care questions from visitors, responses from experts