Two flavors of Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is one of the most common dermatological conditions. It is divided into irritant contact dermatitis (direct contact with a primary irritant) and allergic contact dermatitis (an immunological, T cell-mediated reaction) on the basis of origin and immunological mechanism.

Two ways skin gets angry from contact: 🔴 IRRITANT - a chemical directly damages skin (no immune memory needed) 🟣 ALLERGIC - the immune system learns the allergen, then over-reacts (type IV hypersensitivity)

📖 “Contact dermatitis: irritant (direct primary irritant) vs allergic (type IV, T cell-mediated).”