Contact dermatitis is a skin inflammation related to direct contact with an irritating substance or a substance that may cause an allergic response. Symptoms of contact dermatitis include a reddened, itchy rash. Although it can be difficult to narrow down at times, figuring out what the triggering substance is can help prevent exposure to the irritant and the resulting rash. A physician can place common substances known to cause reaction on a person's skin to see if a reddened area develops.
Nickel
Nickel is a common cause of contact dermatitis. Manufacturers use this metal compound in products such as belt buckles, jewelry, zippers and snaps.
Cosmetics
Products designed for cosmetic use on the skin may cause an allergic reaction for some individuals. Ingredients found in products such as sunscreen, deodorant, shaving creams, hair dye and lotions can cause a skin reaction. Some individuals can use a specific product multiple times or for years before developing an allergy to the ingredients. Products such as sunscreen and shaving lotions may cause a skin reaction after exposure to the sunlight, according to MayoClinic.com.
Rubber and Adhesives
Exposure to latex and rubber may cause a reaction on the skin. Adhesives, found on bandages and medical tape, can also cause the contact dermatitis rash. Individuals with a latex or rubber allergy can experience contact dermatitis after exposure to products such as rubber gloves as well as elastic in clothing and undergarments.
Plants
Plants such as poison oak, poison sumac and poison ivy can cause an allergic contact dermatitis rash to occur. Additional plants that commonly cause the skin condition include thistle, primrose and ragweed. Direct exposure to the plant, pollen or the oil in the plant causes the allergic response on the skin.
Chemicals
Chemicals found in products such as soaps and detergents as well as cleaning products for the home can cause contact dermatitis. The rash may appear after exposure to perfumes or fragrances.
Topical Creams
Topical ointments and creams containing medications to treat conditions such as infections, dirty wounds and skin allergens can cause a rash after using the product. A common antibiotic medication that causes contact dermatitis is neomycin, which is frequently found in over-the-counter triple antibiotic first-aid preparations, according to Skinsight.
Occupational Exposures
Some individuals working around irritating substances can develop contact dermatitis because of the exposure. The increased exposure to dust, fuel, chemicals, dyes and solvents can cause a painful skin rash.
