Irritant Contact Dermatitis  Teen information

Irritant contact dermatitis is the name given to the rash that develops when the skin is exposed to an irritant or substance or surface that bothers it. It is similar to allergic contact dermatitis except that in irritant contact dermatitis the rash typically appears very quickly (within hours) of exposure. This makes it slightly easier to diagnose as it can be easier to identify the irritant. The skin tends to burn or tingle at first and then become red and itchy. Treatment involves identifying and avoiding the offending irritant and perhaps cleansing the irritant from the skin when appropriate.