What is a common symptom of contact dermatitis?

Redness and irritation of the skin is a hallmark symptom of contact dermatitis. This skin condition occurs as a reaction to allergens or irritants when they come into contact with the skin. The inflammatory response triggered by these substances often leads to visible redness, swelling, and irritation, making it one of the most recognizable indicators of this condition.

While flaky scalp, loss of hair, and excessive oiliness can be associated with other skin or scalp conditions, they do not specifically characterize contact dermatitis. Flaky scalp might suggest dandruff or psoriasis, loss of hair could be linked to various alopecia types, and excessive oiliness typically relates to seborrheic dermatitis or oily scalp conditions rather than contact dermatitis. Thus, the presence of redness and irritation directly aligns with the inflammatory response seen in contact dermatitis cases.