page_title: Contact dermatitis
section_title: Irritant contact dermatitis
hierarchical_section_title: Contact dermatitis / Causes / Irritant contact dermatitis
caption_attribution_description: A case of allergic or irritant contact dermatitis caused by unprotected handling of damp construction debris one day earlier.
context_page_description: Contact dermatitis is a type of inflammation of the skin.
  It results from either exposure to allergens or irritants. Phototoxic dermatitis occurs when the allergen or irritant is activated by sunlight. Diagnosis of allergic contact dermatitis can often be supported by patch testing.
context_section_description: Irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) can be divided into forms caused by chemical irritants, and those caused by physical irritants. Common chemical irritants implicated include: solvents (alcohol, xylene, turpentine, esters, acetone, ketones, and others); metalworking fluids (neat oils, water-based metalworking fluids with surfactants); latex; kerosene; ethylene oxide; surfactants in topical medications and cosmetics (sodium lauryl sulfate); and alkalis (drain cleaners, strong soap with lye residues).
  Physical irritant contact dermatitis may most commonly be caused by low humidity from air conditioning. Also, many plants directly irritate the skin.
caption: Contact dermatitis caused by unprotected handling of damp, impregnated wooden construction debris.