Contact Dermatitis

What is contact dermatitis?

Contact dermatitis is a skin reaction that occurs when your skin comes into direct contact with a substance that irritates it or triggers an allergic response. Unlike other skin conditions, contact dermatitis develops only where your skin has touched the offending substance, creating a localized rash, redness, or itching.

There are two main types: irritant contact dermatitis (caused by harsh chemicals or repeated friction) and allergic contact dermatitis (caused by an allergic reaction to a specific substance). Common triggers include nickel, poison ivy, latex, fragrances, preservatives, and cleaning products.

Who is this service for?

Contact dermatitis affects people of all ages and backgrounds. You may benefit from our specialist care if you experience recurring skin reactions, have difficulty identifying what triggers your rash, or if over-the-counter treatments haven't provided relief.

People with occupational exposure—such as healthcare workers, hairdressers, or construction workers—often develop contact dermatitis and can benefit from professional evaluation and workplace guidance.

What to expect during your visit

During your appointment at Denver Allergy & Asthma Associates, our specialists will take a detailed history of your skin reactions, including when they started, where they appear, and what you were doing or wearing when symptoms began.

We may perform a patch test (a safe diagnostic procedure where small amounts of common allergens are applied to your skin under patches to identify specific triggers). This helps us pinpoint exactly what's causing your reaction so you can avoid it in the future.

Treatment and management options

Treatment depends on the cause and severity of your contact dermatitis. Options may include:

• Identifying and avoiding the trigger substance
• Topical corticosteroid creams or ointments to reduce inflammation
• Moisturizers and gentle skincare routines
• Antihistamines if itching is severe
• Workplace or lifestyle modifications to prevent re-exposure

At Denver Allergy & Asthma Associates, we often see patients who find significant relief simply by understanding their specific triggers and making targeted changes to their environment or routine.

Why choose Denver Allergy?

Our board-certified allergists and immunologists have extensive experience diagnosing and managing contact dermatitis. We serve patients throughout Boulder, Lakewood, Westminster, Denver, Littleton, and Arvada with compassionate, evidence-based care. We take time to understand your unique situation and create a personalized plan to help you return to comfortable, healthy skin.

This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health decisions.