What causes irritant contact dermatitis?
The most common causes of irritants to children include the following: • soaps • saliva • different foods • detergents • baby lotions • perfumes Plants, as well as metals, cosmetics, and medications may also cause contact dermatitis: • poison ivy Poison ivy, the plant family that also includes poison oak and sumac, is a common cause of a contact dermatitis reaction. • metals Nearly 3,000 chemical agents are capable of causing allergic contact dermatitis. Nickel, chrome, and mercury are the most common metals that cause contact dermatitis: • Nickel is found in costume jewelry, belt buckles, and wristwatches, as well as zippers, snaps, and hooks on clothing. Contact with objects that are chrome-plated, which contain nickel, may also cause skin reactions in children who are sensitive to nickel. • Mercury, which is found in contact lens solutions, may cause problems for some children. • latex Some children have an allergy or sensitivity to latex (rubber). Reactions can be seen when product
