The Facts on Irritant Contact Dermatitis

Irritant contact dermatitis is produced by a substance that has a direct toxic effect on the skin. After exposure to an irritant, a skin reaction can occur immediately or gradually after repeated exposure. Examples of common irritants include acids (certain toilet bowl and drain cleaners, dishwasher detergents), alkalis (ammonia, lye), cement, turpentine, and paint thinners. With acute and mild exposure, there is typically redness, swelling, and oozing. If left untreated, the condition can result in dry, thickened, cracked skin.
Irritant contact dermatitis is often more painful than itchy, and is the result of an offending agent that actually damages the skin with which it comes into contact. The longer the skin is in contact—or the more concentrated the agent—the more severe the reaction. Water with added soaps and detergents is the most common cause. Thus, it is not surprising that these reactions appear most often on the hands, and are frequently work-related Individuals with other skin diseases, especially eczema, are most susceptible.