Allergic contact dermatitis vs. Irritant contact dermatitis

There are two forms of Contact Dermatitis: Irritant Contact Dermatitis (ICD) and Allergic Contact Dermatitis (ACD) however the two are fairly similar.

ACD can be triggered by any substance except water and can develop within the span of a few days or even longer. The skin symptoms most people exhibit after coming into contact with Poison Ivy is a classic example of Allergic Contact Dermatitis.

ICD is triggered when an over abundant amount of a substance comes in contact with the skin or the skin is sensitive to a particular substance. Whereas with ACD a person must avoid coming into contact with the triggering allergen in order to avoid allergic reactions, with ICD the patient does no need to stop using the irritating product all together, however the patient should limit the use of the irritating substance. Often times, a tolerance toward the irritating substance can be developed.