Certified Wound Specialist (CWS ) Practice Test

Contact dermatitis is primarily triggered by exposure to irritants, which are substances that can damage the outer layer of the skin through physical or chemical action. This type of dermatitis occurs when the skin directly interacts with these irritants, leading to inflammation and other symptoms such as redness, itching, and swelling. Common irritants include soaps, detergents, solvents, and certain acids or alkalis.

While allergens can also cause contact dermatitis, they typically involve an allergic reaction and result in allergic contact dermatitis, which is a distinct condition triggered by sensitization to specific allergens. Fungi and bacteria can cause other skin conditions, such as infections or infestations, but they are not direct triggers for contact dermatitis as defined by irritants. Thus, irritants are the primary agents responsible for this type of skin reaction.