Contact dermatitis can be induced by
A) irritation, sensitization, or photoallergy.
B) the varicella-zoster virus.
C) the aging process.
D) infection.

Question

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Contact dermatitis is an acute inflammation response of the skin triggered by an exogenous chemical or substance. Contact dermatitis is caused either by the action of irritants on the skin's surface or by contact with a substance that causes an allergic response. Symptoms include erythema, edema, and small vesicles that ooze, itch, burn, or sting (see Figure 6-4). Many substances can induce contact dermatitis, including plants such as poison ivy, oak, or sumac. Poison ivy may be spread as an airborne irritant by burning plants. Other irritants are dyes used in soaps and facial and toilet tissue, other dyes, latex, furs, preservatives, drugs, detergents, cleaning compounds, cosmetics, chemicals, acids, and certain metals (for example, nickel) used to make jewelry. Solar radiation and other forms of radiation, including exposure through a tanning bed, may cause the dermatitis. If an irritant remains in constant contact with the skin, the dermatitis spreads. Contact dermatitis develops in three ways. First, it can develop through irritation, either chemical or mechanical, such as by latex gloves and wool fibers. If the irritant is strong, a single exposure may cause a severe inflammatory reaction. Second, contact dermatitis may develop by sensitization. This means that the first contact with a substance causes no immediate inflammation. However, after the skin becomes sensitized, future contact or exposure results in inflammation. Third, another interesting but uncommon mechanism for the development of this form of dermatitis is photoallergy. Some chemicals found in perfumes, soaps, suntan lotions containing para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), or medications (for example, tetracycline), can sensitize the skin to sunlight. The next time the individual uses the products and is exposed to sunlight, a rash develops.

Contact Dermatitis Can Be Induced by