With contact eczema, contact with certain substances leads to a rash (eczema). There are two types of contact dermatitis:
Allergic contact dermatitis
Irritant contact eczema
Sometimes these two types of contact dermatitis can occur at the same time.
Allergic contact dermatitis
In allergic contact eczema, the cause of eczema is an “allergic reaction” to a certain substance. You will only receive it if you have become allergic to a certain substance after previous skin contact. This substance is known as an “allergen”. Once you are allergic, a little allergen is enough to cause skin pain. A contact allergy often lasts for life.
Irritant contact eczema
Irritant contact eczema develops eczema from irritation, for example from contact with water, soap, detergent and the like, from rubbing or from being cold. Therefore, anyone can develop irritating contact dermatitis. However, irritation occurs earlier in one than the other. With a lot of contact with water, eczema develops faster and more heavily. It is therefore not an allergic reaction. Find out more about contact allergies or read the allergy brochures.