What is contact dermatitis?
A person with contact dermatitis has skin inflammation caused by a substance that came into contact with the skin. The substance may irritate the skin, or the substance may cause an allergic reaction. Two common causes for contact dermatitis are poison ivy rash and jewelry dermatitis, where there is an allergy to the metals used in some jewelry.

What are the symptoms of contact dermatitis?
Symptoms of contact dermatitis include skin redness, skin scaling, skin peeling, itchy rash, and skin crusting. Blisters and hives may form in some cases.

How does the doctor treat contact dermatitis?
Treatment for contact dermatitis includes gentle skin cleansing, oral antihistamines, topical corticosteroids, oral corticosteroids, and oatmeal baths.