What Does Contact Dermatitis Look Like?
Medically reviewed by Linda Girgis | MD, Girgis Family Medicine on August 22nd, 2026.
Contact dermatitis appears as red, inflamed patches of skin that may be swollen, itchy, or painful. The affected area often shows clear boundaries where the irritant or allergen touched your skin. Common signs include blistering, scaling, or weeping lesions that can develop within hours to days of exposure. The rash typically appears in geometric patterns or straight lines, distinguishing it from other skin conditions. Symptoms can range from mild redness to severe blistering, depending on the substance and duration of contact. The affected skin may also feel warm, tight, or burning.
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