Overview
Contact dermatitis is a rash that forms where something touched your skin. There are two kinds. Irritant contact dermatitis comes from things that harm the skin, like harsh soaps or chemicals. It is more common and often burns or stings more than it itches.
Allergic contact dermatitis is an allergy to something, like poison ivy, nickel in jewelry, or latex. It is often very itchy and may not appear until 1 or 2 days after contact. Poison ivy is one of the most common causes.
Symptoms
The rash shows up only where the skin touched the cause.
- Red rash, often with clear edges
- Itching, which can be severe
- Rash in streaks or lines (from plants)
- Burning or stinging (from irritants)
Less common
- Bumps that form weeping blisters
- Oozing or crusting
- Dry, cracked, or thick skin with long contact
- Swelling, especially of the face or eyelids
How it usually goes
- Minutes to hours: Irritant rashes start soon after contact.
- 1 to 2 days: Allergic rashes, like poison ivy, appear.
- Days 4 to 7: Poison ivy is often at its worst.
- 2 to 3 weeks: Most rashes clear.
When to get medical care
Causes
Irritants include soaps, detergents, cleaners, solvents, and frequent handwashing. Body fluids like urine and saliva can irritate skin too, as with diaper rash.
Allergens include poison ivy, oak, and sumac; nickel in jewelry, belts, and snaps; latex and rubber; fragrances; hair dye; and some creams and preservatives.
Does it spread or run in families?
- It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.
Who is more likely to get it
- Jobs with wet work or chemicals, like health care, cleaning, hairdressing, and food service
- Time outdoors in areas with poison ivy, oak, or sumac
- Eczema or sensitive skin
Possible complications
- Cellulitis: A skin infection from scratching
- Anaphylaxis: A severe allergic reaction (rare)
- Latex allergy: Can lead to more serious reactions
Diagnosis
A healthcare professional can usually tell by looking at the rash and asking what touched your skin.
Questions you may be asked
- Where the rash is and when it started
- New soaps, lotions, makeup, hair products, or jewelry
- Time outdoors, near plants, or with pets
- Gloves, chemicals, or products you use at work
- Whether you've had a rash like this before
The exam
They'll look at the shape and place of the rash. A rash in lines or streaks often means a plant.
Tests
Tests are only needed if the cause isn't clear or the rash keeps coming back:
- Patch testing: Small amounts of common allergens are taped to your back for 2 days to see which ones cause a reaction.
Treatment
The most important step is to find and avoid what caused it. Most rashes then heal on their own.
Self-care
- Wash the skin with soap and lots of water right after contact. For plants, try within 30 minutes
- Wash clothes, shoes, tools, and pets that may have plant oil on them
- Use cool, wet cloths or a lukewarm oatmeal bath to ease itching
- Try calamine lotion for poison ivy and other rashes
- Use a plain moisturizer to help the skin heal
- Don't scratch. It can spread the rash and lead to infection
Medicines
Over-the-counter creams and pills can ease itching.
| Medicine | Helps with | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Steroid cream | Itching and swelling | Use only for short periods. Don't use on the face or broken skin without asking. |
| Antihistamines Diphenhydramine, Cetirizine | Itching, especially at night | Help less than creams for this rash. Diphenhydramine causes drowsiness; don't drive. Don't put antihistamine cream on the rash. |
Avoid numbing creams like benzocaine and antibiotic creams on the rash. They can cause a new allergic rash.
For a severe rash, or one on the face or genitals, your healthcare professional may prescribe a stronger steroid cream or steroid pills. If the cause is at work, gloves or job changes may help.
How it compares
| Contact dermatitis | Poison ivy | Eczema | Hives | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Where | Where skin touched something | Exposed skin, in streaks | Elbows, knees, face, hands | Anywhere; moves around |
| Looks like | Red, sometimes blisters | Red streaks, blisters | Dry, scaly patches | Raised welts |
| Lasts | 2 to 3 weeks | 1 to 3 weeks | Comes and goes for years | Each welt less than a day |
Prevention
You can lower the chance of a rash:
- Learn to spot poison ivy: 3 shiny leaves
- Wear long sleeves, pants, and gloves outdoors and for cleaning
- Choose fragrance-free products and nickel-free jewelry
- Moisturize hands after washing
Which doctor treats this
- Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
- They may send you to a dermatologist (skin doctor).
Living with it
Support groups and helplines
- National Eczema Association: Tips, product guide, and community for eczema.
Back to school, work, or sports
- Most people keep up normal school and work. Rest when you need to.
Children, pregnancy, and older adults
- Babies: Diaper rash is a type of irritant dermatitis. Change diapers often and use a barrier cream.
- Children: Wash pets after time outdoors, since plant oil can stick to fur.
- Workers: Ask about safer gloves and products if the rash is from your job.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
- Some skin medicines, like isotretinoin and retinoid creams, aren't safe in pregnancy.
- Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
- Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
- Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.
Outlook
Most cases clear in 2 to 3 weeks. The rash can come back if you touch the cause again, so finding it is key.
Getting ready for your visit
A list of everything that touches your skin helps find the cause.
What to bring
- Photos of the rash
- Names of soaps, lotions, makeup, and products you use
- A sample or photo of a plant you think caused it
Questions to ask
- What do you think caused this?
- Should I have patch testing?
- What can I use instead?
- How long will it last?
Research studies
Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-12.