Contact dermatitis is a red, itchy rash that shows up within a few days after a person touches something they're sensitive or allergic to. Common causes include detergent, metals (for example, nickel in jewelry or a pants button), cosmetics, lotions, or fragrances. It doesn't spread from person to person. Once you know what caused it and help your child avoid it, contact dermatitis usually goes away within 2–4 weeks.

Work with your health care provider to find what caused the contact dermatitis. Then, help your child avoid it. This might mean:

• using fragrance-free detergent
• putting clear nail polish over metal buttons or wearing clothes with plastic buttons
• helping your child:
  • avoid certain cosmetics
  • use only unscented, hypoallergenic lotions and products
  • wear nickel-free jewelry

To help with the rash:

• Use any medicines or lotions/creams as recommended by the health care provider. 
• Remind your child not to scratch the skin, because this can make the rash worse and lead to a skin infection.

Encourage your child to wear clothing made from smooth cotton, which may be more comfortable than other fabrics.

For younger children, let them wear lightweight gloves to bed to prevent scratching.

• The rash:
  • lasts longer than 4 weeks
  • gets worse, starts to ooze, or gets blisters
  • goes away but then comes back
  • makes it hard for your child to sleep

What if the contact dermatitis doesn't go away? Sometimes it can be hard to find the cause of contact dermatitis. If the rash lasts longer than 4 weeks and you still don't know what caused it, your health care provider can send you to a dermatologist (skin doctor). The dermatologist can do tests to try to find the cause.