Irritants such as detergents and bleach can cause irritant contact dermatitis. Allergic contact dermatitis happens due to an allergic reaction to a particular substance, such as poison ivy or nickel.

With both allergic and irritant contact dermatitis, symptoms usually resolve once you remove the underlying cause. However, treatment may be necessary in severe cases or if symptoms keep coming back.

Read on to learn more about irritant and allergic contact dermatitis, including the symptoms, causes, treatment options, and more.

Irritant contact dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis are both types of contact dermatitis. “Dermatitis” refers to a group of inflammatory skin conditions.

Both irritant and contact dermatitis happen due to exposure to a particular substance. Allergic contact dermatitis is an allergic reaction that usually develops around 1 to 2 days after exposure to the allergen, per the National Eczema Foundation.

Irritant contact dermatitis is not an allergic reaction. Instead, it happens when an irritant causes damage to the skin cells.

The most common type of contact dermatitis is irritant contact dermatitis, accounting for about 80% of cases.

Symptoms of irritant and allergic contact dermatitis are generally the same as other types of eczema.

General symptoms include:

  • itchiness
  • dry or cracked skin
  • rash
  • hives
  • swelling
  • fluid-filled blisters

Symptoms of contact dermatitis can appear anywhere, but they commonly appear on the:

  • scalp
  • face
  • neck
  • underarms
  • tops of the feet

The American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI) reports that symptoms can appear straight away, or they can develop up to 10 days later.

Irritant contact dermatitis may happen with repeat exposure over time, while allergic contact dermatitis symptoms can develop after exposure to an allergen on two occasions. The first exposure sensitizes your body to the allergen, while the second exposure causes the rash.

View the slideshow below for photos of irritant contact dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis.

Contact with an irritant causes contact dermatitis by damaging the skin.

Examples of irritants include:

  • bleach
  • detergents
  • disinfectants
  • soaps
  • hand sanitizers
  • fertilizers
  • pesticides
  • frequent handwashing

Allergic contact dermatitis happens when there is an allergic reaction. There are more than 15,000 allergens, reports the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). Some common allergens include:

If you have contact dermatitis, you can work with your doctor to identify the irritant or allergens responsible for your symptoms.

The main remedy for irritant and allergic contact dermatitis is avoiding the cause. For example, if latex is causing allergic contact dermatitis, then you should avoid latex products such as latex gloves.

Other treatments a doctor may recommend include:

  • emollients to keep the skin hydrated
  • topical corticosteroids to reduce inflammation in a specific area
  • oral corticosteroids to reduce inflammation throughout the body
  • immunosuppressant therapy to suppress the immune system and reduce inflammation
  • phototherapy to help reduce inflammation

Your doctor can provide more information about what treatments they recommend based on your individual circumstances.

It’s best to contact a doctor if you experience new symptoms that might resemble contact dermatitis. Your doctor can work with you to determine the underlying cause and advise on suitable treatments.

You should also contact a doctor if you already have a contact dermatitis diagnosis and find that symptoms are worsening or not responding to treatment.

If an infection develops, it’s important to contact a doctor for advice on treatments. You may require antibiotics. Symptoms of an infection can include:

  • pain
  • skin discharge
  • feeling hot
  • chills
  • malaise, or generally feeling unwell

Get immediate medical help if you experience a severe allergic reaction or anaphylaxis.

Anaphylaxis is a severe reaction to a trigger, such as an allergy, and is potentially life threatening.

Symptoms can develop quickly and include:

  • feeling faint or lightheaded
  • difficulty breathing or wheezing
  • rapid heartbeat
  • confusion
  • anxiety
  • clammy skin
  • collapsing or losing consciousness
  • hives
  • swelling
  • stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting

If you or someone nearby develops these symptoms, you should:

  1. Check to see whether they have an epinephrine pen. If they do, read and follow the instructions to dispense the medication.
  2. Dial 911 (or a local emergency number).
  3. Have them lie down. If they have vomited, have them lie on their side.
  4. Stay with them until emergency services arrive.

It is possible for someone to need more than one injection with an epinephrine pen. If symptoms do not begin to clear after 5 minutes, give a second injection if one is available.

Irritant contact dermatitis results from exposure to irritants such as bleach, soaps, pesticides, and frequent handwashing.

Allergic dermatitis is an allergic reaction. It can develop if you come into contact with an allergen, such as poison ivy, nickel, latex, and perfume.

Symptoms of irritant and allergic contact dermatitis can take hours or days to appear. The main treatment is removing the trigger. In some cases, you may also require medical treatment.

Contact your doctor if you experience symptoms of contact dermatitis. You should get immediate medical help if you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction or anaphylaxis.