Diseases and Conditions
Dermatitis
Complications
Overview
Symptoms
Causes
Risk factors
Prevention
Diagnosis
Treatment
Lifestyle and home remedies
Alternative medicine
Preparing for an appointment
Causes
A common cause of dermatitis is contact with something that irritates your skin or triggers an allergic reaction — for example, poison ivy, perfume, lotion and jewelry containing nickel. Other causes of dermatitis include dry skin, a viral infection, bacteria, stress, genetic makeup and a problem with the immune system.