Contact eczema -  symptoms, causes and treatment

What is contact dermatitis?

Contact eczema develops when the skin’s natural protective barrier is affected by substances in the environment. The skin reacts with inflammation, which can lead to redness, itching and different types of rash.

A distinction is made between irritant contact eczema and allergic contact eczema. Irritant contact eczema is caused by direct irritation of the skin, while allergic contact eczema develops as a result of an allergic reaction to a specific substance.

Contact eczema is not contagious.

What does contact eczemalook like?

Contact eczema can manifest itself in many different ways. Some experience dry and irritated skin, while others develop a more pronounced itchy rash with redness, scaling, or small blisters.

The rash often occurs where the skin has been in contact with the trigger substance. For example, it can be on the hands after contact with cleaning agents, on the neck after jewelry, or on the face after using cosmetics or skin care products.

Allergic and irritant contact eczema

Irritant contact eczema is the most common form of contact eczema. It typically develops over time as a result of repeated exposure to water, soap, cleaning products or other substances that dry out and irritate the skin.

Allergic contact eczema, on the other hand, is caused by a hypersensitivity reaction of the immune system. Once the allergy has developed, even small amounts of the substance in question can trigger eczema.

Nickel allergy, perfume allergy and contact allergy

Nickel allergy is one of the most common causes of allergic contact eczema. Symptoms often appear on areas of the skin that come into contact with jewellery, watch straps or other metal objects.

Fragrance allergy can also cause contact eczema. Fragrances are found not only in cosmetics, but also in many skincare products, cleaning products and other items used in everyday life.

Contact allergy can also be caused by substances such as preservatives, rubber, adhesives and certain plant extracts.

How do you find the cause?

An important part of the assessment is identifying the factors that trigger or worsen the eczema. Information about work, leisure activities, skincare products and previous skin conditions may therefore be relevant.

If allergic contact eczema is suspected, further allergy testing may be appropriate to determine whether a contact allergy is present.

Examination and treatment of contact eczema



The diagnosis is based on the patient’s medical history and an examination of the skin.

Treatment depends on the cause of the eczema and the severity of the symptoms. An important part of treatment is to reduce or avoid the exposure that triggers the skin reaction. In addition, medical treatment may be used to reduce inflammation in the skin and relieve symptoms.

Skincare and protection of the skin barrier are often an important part of treatment.

When should you see a dermatologist?



It may be appropriate to see a dermatologist if the rash keeps coming back, if the symptoms do not improve as expected, or if the cause of the skin changes is unclear.

An assessment may also be appropriate if a contact allergy is suspected or if the symptoms affect work, sleep or quality of life.