What skin condition is characterized by a rash caused by irritants or allergens?

Contact dermatitis is characterized by a rash that occurs as a result of skin exposure to irritants or allergens. This condition can manifest when the skin reacts to substances that cause inflammation, leading to symptoms like redness, itching, and blistering. The rash often appears in areas that have been in direct contact with the provoking agent, making it important to identify and avoid the irritant or allergen.

This differs from other conditions listed. Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder that leads to thick, red patches of skin covered with silvery scales, rather than being directly caused by contact with irritants. Eczema, while it can have a similar presentation to contact dermatitis, is more chronic in nature and often linked to a genetic predisposition and environmental triggers rather than a direct irritant or allergen exposure. Urticaria, commonly known as hives, is a reaction characterized by raised welts on the skin due to a histamine response, which differs from the irritation mechanism that defines contact dermatitis.