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Dermatology · Inflammatory skin conditions

Contact dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin triggered by an external substance. It may be irritant, caused by direct damage to the skin, or allergic, caused by a delayed immune reaction (type IV hypersensitivity) to an allergen.

Written by Dr A. Turcarelli, dermatologist and allergist Updated 4 January 2026 6 min read

Dermatite de contact

Introduction

Contact dermatitis is an inflammatory skin reaction that is either directly irritant or a delayed immune-allergic reaction (type IV hypersensitivity).

Symptoms

  • Localised redness
  • Itching
  • Small blisters or larger blisters
  • Burning sensation
  • Peeling
  • Chronic thickening of the skin

Causes

Household products
Cosmetics
Metals (nickel, chromium)
Gloves, solvents
Workplace products
Plants or chemical substances

Diagnosis

  1. Detailed history
  2. Clinical examination
  3. Allergy patch tests
  4. Identification of the product responsible

Treatments

Strict avoidance of the allergen
Topical corticosteroids
Repairing emollients
Antihistamines if itching is severe
Dermatological patch tests
Medical LED therapy to reduce inflammation
Skin repair protocols

Management

Accurate diagnosis of the cause

Targeted treatment

Prevention of recurrences

Workplace adjustments if needed

Frequently asked questions

Consultation for contact dermatitis

Consultation with a confirmed diagnosis and a written treatment plan.

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