Contact Dermatitis refers to a broad range of reactions resulting from the direct contact of an offending agent (allergen or irritant) with the surface of the skin.  The rashes are usually develop over days, and may take longer to resolve on their own once the trigger is avoided.  It tends to look like rough, red, scaly and itchy skin.

These reactions can be quite bothersome to patients and require a detailed history and work-up, sometimes including a diagnostic procedure called patch testing.  This helps us potentially identify the triggers.

Recommended reading:

• Contact dermatitis overview – PubMed Health gives an excellent description of contact dermatitis, including an extensive list of causes, along with photos.
• Alternative treatments (PDF) – A comprehensive review article on alternative treatments for contact dermatitis from the Skin Therapy Letter.