This is mild dermatitis of the forearm of an infant.
This is mild dermatitis of the forearm of an infant.
This image displays inflammation and rash typical of irritant contact dermatitis due to frequent wetting and drying of the skin.
This image displays inflammation and rash typical of irritant contact dermatitis due to frequent wetting and drying of the skin.
The cheeks are a frequent site of irritant contact dermatitis from constant wetting and drying.
The cheeks are a frequent site of irritant contact dermatitis from constant wetting and drying.
This hospitalized infant with irritant contact dermatitis had chafing and irritation from the bandage around the neck.
This hospitalized infant with irritant contact dermatitis had chafing and irritation from the bandage around the neck.
Constant drooling around this pacifier caused irritant contact dermatitis (skin inflammation).
Constant drooling around this pacifier caused irritant contact dermatitis (skin inflammation).
This image displays severe inflammation and blistering from an irritating chemical.
This image displays severe inflammation and blistering from an irritating chemical.

Graphic content

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 Multiple raw and eroded areas of skin around the anus and vulvar area may occur from fecal irritation if the diaper is not changed in time.
Multiple raw and eroded areas of skin around the anus and vulvar area may occur from fecal irritation if the diaper is not changed in time.

Images of Irritant Contact Dermatitis (7)

This is mild dermatitis of the forearm of an infant.
This image displays inflammation and rash typical of irritant contact dermatitis due to frequent wetting and drying of the skin.
The cheeks are a frequent site of irritant contact dermatitis from constant wetting and drying.
This hospitalized infant with irritant contact dermatitis had chafing and irritation from the bandage around the neck.
Constant drooling around this pacifier caused irritant contact dermatitis (skin inflammation).
This image displays severe inflammation and blistering from an irritating chemical.

Graphic content

 Multiple raw and eroded areas of skin around the anus and vulvar area may occur from fecal irritation if the diaper is not changed in time.

Irritant Contact Dermatitis

Dermatitis, in general, refers to an inflammation of the skin. Irritant contact dermatitis, specifically, is inflammation of the skin caused by contact with a particular substance. This can be any chemical substance, such as soaps, detergents, and fabric softeners. The reaction can look like a burn.

Infants experiencing irritant contact dermatitis will usually be fussy. There may be obvious skin irritation, including inflammation, swelling of the area, and warmth. The rash will be confined to the specific area that came in contact with the offending agent. The onset of the skin reaction in irritant contact dermatitis is immediate, as opposed to allergic contact dermatitis, where there is a delayed reaction in which the offending substance causes production of antibodies that result in a rash, usually within 24-72 hours.

Who's At Risk?

Anyone can experience irritant contact dermatitis, but the thin skin of babies and young children makes them especially susceptible. The most common irritant contact dermatitis in infants is diaper rash (irritant diaper dermatitis, discussed separately). In this case, there is a skin reaction in the diaper area caused by prolonged contact with the natural chemicals found in urine and stool.

Irritant contact dermatitis also commonly occurs around the mouth in babies due to skin contact with baby food or drool.

Signs & Symptoms

The most common location for irritant contact dermatitis is the hands, although any body surface can be affected, including the genitals.

The affected areas appear as pink-to-red macules (small, flat, smooth areas) or patches (larger flat, smooth areas). In darker skin colors, the redness may be harder to see or may appear purple or gray.

Self-Care Guidelines

  • Remove whatever chemical or condition is causing the irritation, if known, and protect the skin from further exposure.
  • For irritated skin in body folds, try using a barrier cream with zinc oxide paste, such as Desitin.
  • Apply petroleum jelly (eg, Vaseline) or a thick moisturizing cream (eg, CeraVe moisturizing cream) to wet skin after bathing or washing. Reapply at least twice daily to help further protect the affected areas of skin.
  • For itchy areas, try applying over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream (0.5%-1%) twice daily for a few days.

Treatments

The medical professional may prescribe topical steroids if inflammation is present.

Visit Urgency

See your baby’s medical professional if the rash does not go away with self-care measures.

Trusted Links

References

Bolognia J, Schaffer JV, Cerroni L. Dermatology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018.

James WD, Elston D, Treat JR, Rosenbach MA. Andrew’s Diseases of the Skin. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019.

Kang S, Amagai M, Bruckner AL, et al. Fitzpatrick’s Dermatology. 9th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Education; 2019.

Paller A, Mancini A. Paller and Mancini: Hurwitz Clinical Pediatric Dermatology. 6th ed. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2022.

Disease Groups: Chronic Itchy Skin Rashes in Adults, Common Conditions Affecting the Genitals, Itchy Hands or Feet, New Itchy Skin Rashes in Adults

Last modified on September 18th, 2023 at 1:32 pm

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