Definition

Noun: A type of skin inflammation (dermatitis) that occurs as a result of the skin coming into direct contact with an irritating substance or allergen. It is a delayed allergic reaction.

Usage

"Contact dermatitis" is a medical term used to describe a specific skin condition. It is typically used in healthcare, dermatology, and general descriptions of allergic reactions. - It is often modified by the cause (e.g., allergic contact dermatitis, irritant contact dermatitis). - It functions as a countable noun (e.g., "a case of contact dermatitis").

Examples

• Noun:
  • Wearing that nickel jewelry gave me a bad case of contact dermatitis.
  • The doctor diagnosed the rash as contact dermatitis caused by poison ivy.
  • Workers handling chemicals must wear gloves to prevent contact dermatitis.

Advanced Usage

• "Allergic contact dermatitis": A specific type caused by an allergen (e.g., poison ivy, nickel, certain fragrances), where the immune system reacts.
  • Her allergic contact dermatitis flares up whenever she uses that specific laundry detergent.
• "Irritant contact dermatitis": A type caused by direct damage to the skin from a harsh substance (e.g., acids, solvents, frequent hand-washing), not primarily an allergic response.
  • Constant exposure to cleaning products led to irritant contact dermatitis on his hands.

Variants and Related Words

• Dermatitis (n): A general term for inflammation of the skin.
• Eczema (n): A broader term for a group of conditions that cause inflamed, itchy skin; contact dermatitis is one form of eczema.

Synonyms

• Skin rash (general term)
• Eczema (in a broader clinical context)

Related Phrases

• "To develop contact dermatitis from": To begin to suffer from this condition due to exposure.
  • He developed contact dermatitis from the new soap.
• "To treat contact dermatitis": To apply medical care to alleviate the condition.
  • The primary treatment for contact dermatitis is to avoid the triggering substance.

Noun

1. a delayed type of allergic reaction of the skin resulting from skin contact with a specific allergen (such as poison ivy)