Contact Dermatitis - Irritant

Definition

Red area of the skin from contact with an irritant

Call or Return If

Rash spreads or gets worse
Rash lasts for more than 1 week
You think your child needs to be seen
Your child becomes worse

About This Topic

Symptoms

Rash on one small part of the body (localized)
Red or pink rash
Small spots or solid redness
Flaking or peeling of the skin can also occur.
Unlike allergic contact dermatitis, usually not itchy.

Causes

Skin contact with an irritant (such as a harsh chemical).
If it's just on the fingers, it's usually due to a soap or hand cream. Rubber gloves can also be a cause.
Not an allergic reaction

After Care Advice

Overview:

Most new localized rashes are due to skin contact with an irritant.
Here is some care advice that should help.

Avoid the Cause:

Try to find the cause and avoid it.
Consider irritants like a plant (such as evergreens or weeds). Also, chemicals (such as solvents). Irritants also can include fiberglass or soaps. A new cosmetic or new jewelry may also be the cause.
A pet may carry the irritant. Some children react directly to pet saliva.

Do Not Use Soap:

Wash the red area once with soap. Reason: To remove any irritants left on the skin.
Then, do not use soaps on it. Reason: Soaps can slow healing.
Cleanse the area when needed with warm water.

Steroid Cream:

If the rash becomes itchy, put on 1% hydrocortisone cream.
No prescription is needed.
Use it 3 times per day.
Exception: Do not use for suspected ringworm.

Try Not to Scratch:

Help your child not to scratch the rash.
Cut the fingernails short.

What to Expect:

Most of these rashes go away in 2 to 3 days.

Return to School:

Your child does not need to miss any child care or school.

Author: Barton Schmitt MD, FAAP
Copyright 2000-2021 Schmitt Pediatric Guidelines LLC
Disclaimer: This health information is for educational purposes only. You the reader assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it.
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