Skin ConditionsEczemaExplore This TopicShare this articleShareShare on FacebookShare on XShare on PinterestCopy LinkEczema (Atopic Dermatitis)Learn about effective treatments and management strategies for eczema. Find tips on soothing irritated skin and preventing flare-ups for long-term relief.LEARN MORE1What Is Eczema? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention2What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Atopic Dermatitis?3Causes and Risk Factors of Atopic Dermatitis4How Is Atopic Dermatitis Diagnosed?5Atopic Dermatitis Treatments: Drug and Nondrug Therapies6Your Everyday Guide to Living Well With Atopic Dermatitis7Atopic Dermatitis Complications: What You Need to Know8Eczema and Diet: The Foods to Eat and Avoid to Prevent and Manage Flare-UpsSEE MORE8 Surprising Triggers for Contact DermatitisHaving trouble figuring out why your skin is suddenly dry and itchy? Here are a handful of possible explanations.Adobe StockByMoira LawlerUpdated on June 1, 2025Medically ReviewedbyJacquelyn Dosal, MDContact dermatitis, a type of eczema, is a skin reaction that happens when you come into contact with substances your body is sensitive to.There are two types of contact dermatitis: allergic dermatitis, which is an allergic skin reaction, and irritant dermatitis, which develops either immediately or over time after you encounter an irritating substance. Either way, the result is dry, red, itchy, sometimes blistering skin that could be accompanied by a burning or stinging sensation.[1]You’re more likely to get it if you have a job where you wash your hands a lot or work with chemicals — nurses, bartenders, and beauticians are prone to it. If you have the most common type of eczema, atopic dermatitis, that, too, increases your risk.[2]Contact dermatitis triggers aren’t always obvious, and you may need help from a dermatologist to get to the bottom of a reaction. Here are eight potential culprits you may not have thought of.1. Swimming PoolsChlorine can be a trigger for some, according to Michele Green, MD, a New York City–based dermatologist, leading to itchy, red skin or hives. Swimming in a chlorinated pool can also dry your skin, which can make any existing rash worse.[3] Does that mean it’s never a good idea to dive in? No way, but pay attention to your post-dip routine. “It is important to rinse off after swimming and apply protective moisturizer, which will act as a barrier for the skin,” Dr. Green says.2. ShampooEver analyze the ingredients list on your shampoo bottle? It’s a worthwhile exercise if you’ve been battling skin issues. Isothiazolinones (which keep bacteria from growing inside the bottle), sulfates (which help create lather), and cocamidopropyl betaine (a thickening agent) are commonly found in shampoos, and they can cause a skin reaction in some people.[4] The National Eczema Association offers an eczema-friendly product guide that lists options for shampoos and other personal care items that are less likely to cause problems for you.Meet Our ExpertsSee Our Editorial PolicyMeet Our Health Expert NetworkJacquelyn Dosal, MDMedical ReviewerCastle Connolly Top DoctorJacquelyn Dosal, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Skin Associates of South Florida in Coral Gables. She practices general, medical, cosmetic, and surgical dermatology.Dr. Dosal provides compassionate care to all her patients, listening to their concerns and creating a treatment plan with each patient's priorities and real life in mind.She is a member of the voluntary faculty at the University of Miami.See full bioMoira LawlerAuthorMoira Lawler is a journalist who has spent more than a decade covering a range of health and lifestyle topics, including women's health, nutrition, fitness, mental health, and travel. She received a bachelor's degree from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism and lives in the Chicago suburbs with her husband, two young children, and a giant brown labradoodle.See full bioSee Our Editorial PolicyMeet Our Health Expert NetworkSign up for our Healthy Skin Newsletter!Enter your emailSubscribeBy subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. , Contact dermatitis triggers aren’t always obvious, and you may need help from a dermatologist to get to the bottom of a reaction. Here are eight potential culprits you may not have thought of., Eczema Pop Quiz: Contact Dermatitis Edition Test your knowledge to see if you know these surprising facts about contact dermatitis..