SymptomsContact dermatitis affects the skin. The type of skin symptoms you get can depend on whether the dermatitis is caused by an irritant or an allergic reaction. Symptoms of irritant contact dermatitisThe symptoms of irritant contact dermatitis can appear straight away after you are exposed to the irritant or may not appear until within 48 hours after exposure. The symptoms can range from mild dryness, redness, burning or stinging of the skin to very painful blisters that can become filled with fluid. Symptoms of allergic contact dermatitisThe symptoms of contact dermatitis can appear immediately after exposure or there may be a delayed reaction, depending on the type of allergy you have. Allergic contact dermatitis mainly affects the hands. The symptoms can range from mild redness and itchiness of the skin to skin that becomes cracked, filled with fluid, extremely itchy and has a stinging sensation. Symptoms of infectionOccasionally, areas of skin affected by contact dermatitis can become infected. Signs of an infection can include:
Seek immediate medical advice if you have a severe reaction, or you think your skin may have become infected, as you may need to take antibiotics. You can call 111 or get help for your symptoms at 111 online. Sexual Health AdviceThroughout this series we have help and advice on staying healthy, dealing with Sexually Transmitted Infections, the risks of each type of the most popular gay sex and what to do if the sex you have is not consentual. The topics covered in this series include:
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