What it means
A mild reaction of tissue to something that rubs, scratches or touches it, such as skin rubbed by a tight strap, eyes exposed to smoke, a stomach upset by a drug, or a throat bothered by a tube. The area may look red and feel sore, itchy or burning. Ongoing irritation can lead to inflammation and skin breakdown.
For the nurse
Look for and remove the cause, such as a tape, tube or wet linen. Check skin under devices like oxygen tubing, masks and catheters every shift.
At a glance
| Spanish | irritación |
|---|---|
| Also written | irritations, irritated |
Related terms
inflammation
The body's protective response to injury or infection, with redness, heat, swelling, pain and sometimes loss of function.
irritability
A state of being easily annoyed, upset or made angry; in babies, fussiness and crying that is hard to soothe.
contact dermatitis
Inflammation of the skin caused by direct contact with a substance that irritates it or to which the person is allergic.
friction
The rubbing of one surface against another, such as skin against bed sheets.