medical Definition of irritant contact dermatitis
: inflammation of the skin that follows direct contact of an irritant (such as soap, acid, or fiberglass) with the skin and that is typically marked by a burning, red rash often with dry scales, crusting, and pustules
- Red, scaly skin patches are typical symptoms of irritant contact dermatitis. The redness can show up within minutes of contact or it can take days to become noticeable.
- —Allen Douma, The Chicago Tribune, 9 Aug. 2000
