Types of contact dermatitis

What are the different types of contact dermatitis?

Contact dermatitis can be broken down into several categories based on the type of irritant.

Irritant contact dermatitis (80%)– skin contact with a chemical irritant, such as detergents, soaps, chemicals, and some metals. Irritant contact dermatitis is widespread especially in some jobs that require handling chemicals (nail salons, nurses, factory workers, technicians, etc).

Allergic contact dermatitis (20%) - many common allergens can trigger the body’s immune response. Affected skin usually develops into bumpy red skin within hours of contact with the allergen.