Contact Dermatitis
What is it?
Contact dermatitis is a skin inflammation that occurs
when the skin touches a substance that is an irritant or
triggers an allergic reaction.
Who gets it?
Contact dermatitis is a common skin condition. People
whose professions put them in frequent contact with
irritating substances, such as cleaning fluids, nail
polish remover, and other chemicals, are at an increased
risk of developing this condition.
What causes it?
Contact dermatitis can be caused by a n irritant or an
allergic reaction to a substance. Irritant contact
dermatitis (ICD) is most often caused by detergents,
certain types of metals, soaps, strong chemicals, and
solvents that, either immediately or after repeated
exposure, irritate the skin. Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD)
occurs when a substance called an allergen triggers the
body’s immune response. The immune system produces
antibodies and other disease fighting cells in response to
the allergen. The antibodies release chemicals that
actually injure the surrounding cells and cause the
physical symptoms of an allergic reaction. The most common
causes of ACD are latex, found in medical gloves and
condoms; fragrances and other substances found in
cosmetics and skin creams; metals, such as nickel found in
jewelry; plants, such as poison ivy, poison oak, and
poison sumac; and chemicals used in the clothing
manufacturing process. You can have an allergic reaction
to a substance after repeated exposure, even though it
never caused a reaction before.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of contact dermatitis can range from a
mild, itchy rash to severe itching, swelling, and
blistering. In severe cases, open sores can result in
bacterial skin infections. The inflammation is confined to
the area that had contact with the irritant, commonly the
hands or face, but can occur on any part of the body.
How is it diagnosed?
Contact dermatitis is diagnosed according to a pattern
of symptoms. Your doctor will take a complete medical
history and ask you questions about the types of
substances you have regular contact with or had contact
with right before the symptoms appeared. If your doctor
suspects allergic contact dermatitis, but it is difficult
to identify the allergen, he or she may perform a patch
test. The doctor will place a small patch on your skin for
a period of two days. The patch contains some common
allergens that cause contact dermatitis. After the patch
is removed, the doctor will check for a reaction over the
next few days.
What is the treatment?
To treat contact dermatitis, you must avoid contact
with the substance that irritates your skin. Your doctor
can recommend ointments or lotions to relieve itching and
irritation until the symptoms go away. If you have severe
swelling and/or itching, your doctor may prescribe oral or
topical corticosteroids or antihistamines. Antibiotics are
prescribed for bacterial skin infections.
Self-care tips
Avoid any substances that you know irritate your skin
or trigger an allergic reaction. In some cases, washing
thoroughly with soap and water after contacting a
substance, such as a poisonous plant, can prevent or
minimize symptoms.
This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference
guide written by our health care reviewers. The health information written
by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your
physician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for
professional medical advice.
|
