About Dermatitis (allergic eczema)

The term dermatitis is generally used to describe a skin condition caused by contact with a material or substance which reacts on the skin to cause irritation and inflammation.

Contact Dermatitis is an allergic skin reaction caused by contact with certain materials, such as rubber, or nickel (which is often found in jewellery, zips, buckles, etc.)

The reaction is not usually immediate, but occurs after repeated exposure to the material. It is usually easy to work out the cause, from the site of the skin reaction.

Irritant Dermatitis is usually an instant reaction. It is caused by an irritant substance to which the skin is sensitive, such as a detergent, perfume, cosmetic, shampoo, solvent, etc.

It most often occurs on the hands which come into contact with the substance, or on the face in the case of shampoos and cosmetics. Obviously if you are able to work out what has caused the skin reaction, you will be able to eliminate it and prevent any recurrence.