irritants
Things that bother
Irritants are things that cause annoyance, discomfort, or inflammation.
The term applies equally to substances that inflame tissue—chemical irritants, skin irritants—and to people or situations that provoke frustration: Minor irritants in a relationship can build into major problems.
Pollen and dust are common respiratory irritants.
Floral reproductive grains
- danderMicroscopic shed skin
- moldForm-giving container
- dust mitesMicroscopic skin-eating arachnids
- histamineAllergy-response compound
antigen · anaphylaxis · asthma · hives · eczema · rhinitis · hypersensitivity · gluten
Harmful biological substances
- contaminantsUnwelcome substances in something pure
- particulatesMinute airborne solids or droplets
- carcinogensSubstances promoting tumor growth
- pesticidesChemicals destroying harmful organisms
solvents · bleach · ammonia · formaldehyde · chlorine · acids · detergents · fumes
Abnormal tissue enlargement
- rednessCrimson-hued state
- inflammationProtective tissue response
- cytokinesImmune signaling proteins
- immune responseBody fighting foreign threats
prostaglandins · edema · tenderness · dermatitis · infection · rash · itching · burning
Rough enough to erode
- frictionResistance between touching surfaces
- chafingIrritation from friction
- scratchingRaking with nails
- rubbingApplying pressure while moving
grit · sand · fibers · splinters · wool · stubble · sawdust · burrs
Persistent unwanted attention
- naggingPersistent bothering or complaining
- provocationAct that triggers response
- antagonismActive opposition or hostility
- annoyanceState of being bothered
vexation · aggravation · nuisance · exasperation · frustration · taunting · goading · badgering
Disturbingly incongruous
- cacophonousHarsh and jarring
- discordantLacking musical agreement
- screechingMaking harsh high sounds
- squeakingHigh, thin sound
harsh · strident · shrill · piercing · grating · static · feedback · buzzing
pollen
Floral reproductive grains
- danderMicroscopic shed skin
- moldForm-giving container
- dust mitesMicroscopic skin-eating arachnids
histamine · antigen · anaphylaxis · asthma · hives · eczema · rhinitis · hypersensitivity · gluten · lactose
toxins
Harmful biological substances
- contaminantsUnwelcome substances in something pure
- particulatesMinute airborne solids or droplets
- carcinogensSubstances promoting tumor growth
pesticides · solvents · bleach · ammonia · formaldehyde · chlorine · acids · detergents · fumes · aerosols
swelling
Abnormal tissue enlargement
- rednessCrimson-hued state
- inflammationProtective tissue response
- cytokinesImmune signaling proteins
immune response · prostaglandins · edema · tenderness · dermatitis · infection · rash · itching · burning · stinging
abrasive
Rough enough to erode
- frictionResistance between touching surfaces
- chafingIrritation from friction
- scratchingRaking with nails
rubbing · grit · sand · fibers · splinters · wool · stubble · sawdust · burrs · thorns
pestering
Persistent unwanted attention
- naggingPersistent bothering or complaining
- provocationAct that triggers response
- antagonismActive opposition or hostility
annoyance · vexation · aggravation · nuisance · exasperation · frustration · taunting · goading · badgering · harassment
jarring
Disturbingly incongruous
- cacophonousHarsh and jarring
- discordantLacking musical agreement
- screechingMaking harsh high sounds
squeaking · harsh · strident · shrill · piercing · grating · static · feedback · buzzing · droning
- chemicalschemicals, compounds, acids, reagents, solutions
- annoyancesannoyance, annoyances, nuisance, nuisances, pest
- pet peevesannoyance, loud chewing, loud talking, frustration, aggravation
- defensive chemicalsvenom, toxin, toxins, poison, repellents
- toxic hazardstoxic exposure, asbestos, arsenic, neurotoxins, benzene
- animal defensespoison, venom, toxin, toxins, horns
irritantssoothers
Things providing comfort
balms · emollients · salves · counterirritants · moisturizers
irritantscomforts
Eases distress; pleasures
pleasures · delights · consolations · reassurances · reliefs
- skin irritantsAgents provoking dermal reactions