Contact dermatitis, a type of eczema, is a skin reaction that happens when you come into contact with substances your body is sensitive to.
There are two types of contact dermatitis: allergic dermatitis, which is an allergic skin reaction, and irritant dermatitis, which develops either immediately or over time after you encounter an irritating substance. Either way, the result is dry, red, itchy, sometimes blistering skin that could be accompanied by a burning or stinging sensation.
You’re more likely to get it if you have a job where you wash your hands a lot or work with chemicals — nurses, bartenders, and beauticians are prone to it. If you have the most common type of eczema, atopic dermatitis, that, too, increases your risk.
Contact dermatitis triggers aren’t always obvious, and you may need help from a dermatologist to get to the bottom of a reaction. Here are eight potential culprits you may not have thought of.
1. Swimming Pools
Chlorine can be a trigger for some, according to Michele Green, MD, a New York City–based dermatologist, leading to itchy, red skin or hives. Swimming in a chlorinated pool can also dry your skin, which can make any existing rash worse. Does that mean it’s never a good idea to dive in? No way, but pay attention to your post-dip routine. “It is important to rinse off after swimming and apply protective moisturizer, which will act as a barrier for the skin,” Dr. Green says.
2. Shampoo
Ever analyze the ingredients list on your shampoo bottle? It’s a worthwhile exercise if you’ve been battling skin issues. Isothiazolinones (which keep bacteria from growing inside the bottle), sulfates (which help create lather), and cocamidopropyl betaine (a thickening agent) are commonly found in shampoos, and they can cause a skin reaction in some people. The National Eczema Association offers an eczema-friendly product guide that lists options for shampoos and other personal care items that are less likely to cause problems for you.
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3. Laundry Detergent
Although many patients and healthcare providers blame laundry detergent for contact dermatitis, it's actually a relatively unusual cause. Some people have a reaction to ingredients such as added fragrance, preservatives, enzymes, bleaches, and dyes, which are found in detergent, dishwashing soap, and other cleaning products.
4. Wrinkle-Resistant Fabrics
You probably already know that formaldehyde is bad for you, but you may be surprised to learn that formaldehyde could be lurking in your clothes. The preservative is used in clothing items that are designed to be wrinkle- or perspiration-resistant.
5. Dust
Airborne irritants such as dust can trigger contact dermatitis, Green says. While it can be tough to avoid dusty environments, you can take a proactive approach to prevent a reaction. Green suggests applying a moisturizer containing ceramides, which will act as a barrier to protect the skin from allergens.
6. Latex Gloves
You won’t necessarily see a reaction immediately from latex gloves. It can take years of touching a certain substance or material for an allergy to develop. For instance, if you work in a hospital and wear latex gloves for most of the day, you may eventually notice your hands becoming itchy and inflamed. That’s the result of your body developing an allergy to the gloves.
7. Metal on Your Jeans and Keys
As far as allergies go, nickel allergies are relatively common, estimated to affect more than 18 percent of people in North America. But nickel is hard to avoid. It’s everywhere — in jewelry, eyeglasses, coins, and keys, to name just a few places. Even the metal buttons and snaps on your jeans can cause a reaction. If you suspect that nickel may be an irritant for you, replace the fasteners or cover them to keep your skin from coming into direct contact with the metal.
8. Your Manicure
Are perfectly manicured nails worth the risk of developing swollen, blistering skin? Acrylic nails (and gel nails, too) have been linked to contact dermatitis on the fingertips and eyelids. It’ll usually start with itchiness in the nail bed, which may then become dry and thickened. In most cases, the nails will rebound after you stop using these products.
A Final Word on Identifying the Cause of Your Contact Dermatitis Rash
It’s important to remember that the rash of contact dermatitis does not necessarily mean you have an allergy. Often, avoiding the product will clear away the rash. If you’re not seeing relief and the rash continues or gets worse, check with your dermatologist, who can recommend skin allergy testing, including patch testing, to find the exact trigger.
The Takeaway
People who work with harsh chemicals or wash their hands often are more likely to get contact dermatitis.
Triggers such as nickel and preservatives can be found in some unexpected places, like keys or shampoo.
Talk with your doctor if you have a skin rash you can’t explain.
EDITORIAL SOURCES
Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Jacquelyn Dosal, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Skin Associates of South Florida in Coral Gables. She practices general, medical, cosmetic, and surgical dermatology.
Dr. Dosal provides compassionate care to all her patients, listening to their concerns and creating a treatment plan with each patient's priorities and real life in mind.
She is a member of the voluntary faculty at the University of Miami.
Moira Lawler is a journalist who has spent more than a decade covering a range of health and lifestyle topics, including women's health, nutrition, fitness, mental health, and travel. She received a bachelor's degree from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism and lives in the Chicago suburbs with her husband, two young children, and a giant brown labradoodle.
