What causes Contact Dermatitis (a form of eczema)?
Two causes of contact dermatitis are exposure to allergens and irritants. An allergy occurs when the immune system reacts to a chemical. An irritant can be a strong soap or chemical. Exposure to allergens and irritants frequently occurs in the workplace. An allergy causes contact dermatitis in two ways: • Contact urticaria the immediate appearance of hives (transient itchy swellings) • Allergic contact dermatitis chronic areas of itchy, red, crusty or scaly skin Irritant contact dermatitis is produced by repeated exposure to a harsh or drying chemical that damages the outer skin barrier.
