What is the medical term for a skin rash caused by irritants or allergens?

The medical term for a skin rash caused by irritants or allergens is contact dermatitis. This condition occurs when the skin reacts to substances that either directly irritate the skin or provoke an allergic reaction. It can manifest as redness, itching, and inflammation, and is a result of exposure to various stimuli, such as chemicals, cosmetics, plants, or metals.

In contrast, eczema is a broader term that encompasses various types of inflammatory skin conditions, often characterized by chronic inflammation and skin barrier dysfunction. Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition leading to rapid skin cell turnover, characterized by thick, scaly plaques. Urticaria, commonly known as hives, is the result of swelling in the skin due to allergic reactions or other causes, often presenting as raised, itchy welts. These conditions, while they may share similar symptoms, are distinct from contact dermatitis in terms of their causes and underlying mechanisms.