What is Allergic Contact Dermatitis?

Allergic contact dermatitis will trigger an immunologic response that causes inflammation called a skin allergy. Examples of substances that cause allergic contact dermatitis include poison ivy, poison sumac, poison oak, dyes, fragrances, leather, rubber compounds (gloves and shoes) and nickel (jewelry accessories). Itching and burning are common symptoms in both types of contact dermatitis. Typically the symptoms of contact dermatitis include redness, swelling and oozing. If left untreated, contact dermatitis can result in dry, thickened, cracked skin. The webs of the fingers, back of the hands and forearms are common sites of contact. Local contact with an allergen followed by exposure to ultraviolet radiation (sunlight) can cause photoallergic dermatitis.