Contact dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin that happens when a substance touches the skin.
Contact dermatitis occurs when the skin touches a substance that irritates the skin or causes an allergic reaction. Common causes of contact dermatitis from irritants are soaps, detergents, solvents, waxes, polishes, and hand cleaners. Common causes of contact dermatitis from allergic reactions are hair dyes, jewelry, fingernail polish, and deodorants. Some of the other substances that might cause contact dermatitis are rubber, nickel, and poison ivy. If the substance that caused your reaction is identified, you and the doctor will discuss ways you can avoid contact with the substance.