Irritation

Irritation, in <a href="/facts/Biology/1M1ee3pB">biology</a> and <a href="/facts/Physiology/fh25y2pQ">physiology</a>, is a state of <a href="/facts/Inflammation/Ura86MIy">inflammation</a> or painful reaction to <a href="/facts/Allergy/dYAVosh8">allergy</a> or cell-lining damage. A stimulus or agent which induces the state of irritation is an irritant. Irritants are typically thought of as chemical agents (for example <a href="/facts/Phenol/ACJs5NIU">phenol</a> and <a href="/facts/Capsaicin/aXaaFxDp">capsaicin</a>) but mechanical, thermal (heat), and radiative stimuli (for example <a href="/facts/Ultraviolet_light/kncBUqn5">ultraviolet light</a> or <a href="/facts/Ionising_radiation/vw0d9GaT">ionising radiations</a>) can also be irritants. Irritation also has non-clinical usages referring to bothersome physical or psychological <a href="/facts/Pain/70E79oUn">pain</a> or discomfort.
Irritation can also be induced by some allergic response due to exposure of some allergens for example contact dermatitis, irritation of mucosal membranes and pruritus. Mucosal membrane is the most common site of irritation because it contains secretory glands that release mucus which attracts the allergens due to its sticky nature.
Chronic irritation is a medical term signifying that afflictive health conditions have been present for a while. There are many disorders that can cause chronic irritation, the majority involve the skin, vagina, eyes and lungs.

Irritation open-in-new

Irritation