What is Allergic Contact Dermatitis?

“Allergic dermatitis” occurs when the skin comes into contact with a substance that stimulates the body’s immune system. Such substances could include poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac, nickel, latex, chromates, hair dyes, neomycin, and many skin care products.

The rash is caused by the body’s immune system reaction as they react to the allergic substance on the skin.  This process often takes 4-6 weeks, which explains why the troublesome rashes can take so long to heal.