Contact Dermatitis

Allergic contact dermatitis is an extremely itchy rash that develops when someone comes into contact with a substance to which he or she is allergic.

These substances ("allergens") are harmless to most people but trigger immune reactions in those who are sensitive. Only a small amount of the allergen is required to trigger an allergic reaction.

Repeated exposure of the skin to an allergen is required to develop contact dermatitis. Most people might be exposed to an allergen for years before finally developing a rash. However, once a person's skin becomes sensitized to a particular substance, that person usually remains sensitive to it for life.

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