irritant contact dermatitis

noun

: inflammation of the skin that follows direct contact of an irritant (such as soap, acid, or fiberglass) with the skin and that is typically marked by a burning, red rash often with dry scales, crusting, and pustules

Red, scaly skin patches are typical symptoms of irritant contact dermatitis. The redness can show up within minutes of contact or it can take days to become noticeable.

—Allen Douma, The Chicago Tribune

compare allergic contact dermatitis