Anti Aging Skin Care » Skin Allergy » Contact Dermatitis

Contact Dermatitis

Symptoms
The symptoms of contact dermatitis include the itching, redness, and the inflammation of the skin. It also includes the tenderness, localized swelling and warmth to the exposed area. A skin lesion may also occur, the skin also become scaly, raw, or thickened.

Causes
Contact dermatitis is caused due to skins direct contact with some irritating or allergy causing substance. The irritant substances may include acids, alkaline materials such as soaps and detergents, solvents, or other chemicals. The reaction of skin look like a skin burn. It is also caused due to the skins exposure to the material to which the person have allergy. The reaction of skin varies from mild irritation and redness to open sores, depending on the type of irritant, and the sensitivity of the individual.

Contact dermatitis may also caused due to repeated use of some substances like nail polish remover, contact lens solutions, or repeated contact with metals in earring posts and the metal backs of watches. There may no initial reaction, but repeated use of it may cause reaction.

Diagnosis
Your doctor will diagnose it based on the skin appearance and if there is history of any type of allergy. If required a patch testing is taken. Patch testing is the gold standard for contact allergen identification.

Patch testing is used for the individuals who have long-lasting, recurring contact dermatitis. This test requires three office visits and must be done by a clinician with detailed experience in the procedures and interpretation of results. Other tests may be used to rule out other possible causes.

Treatment

• The best solution to the allergic dermatitis is to do nothing to the area. Generally contact dermatitis clears up without any complications within 2 or 3 weeks. While the initial treatment include the washing of skin with lots of water to remove any trace of the irritant that may remain on the skin. The substances that cause allergies should be avoided.
• Topical corticosteroid helps to reduce the inflammation. Follow the instructions properly when using topical steroids because overuse or even low-strength over-the-counter topical steroids, may cause a troublesome skin condition. In extreme or dangerous conditions, systemic corticosteroids may be needed to reduce inflammation. It is usually tapered gradually over about 12 days to prevent recurrence of the rash.
• Your doctor may also prescribe you a wet dressings and soothing, antipruritic (anti-itch), or drying lotions.

Prevention

• Avoid contact with the substances that have causes allergies to you before.
• Wash your skin thoroughly after contact with substances.
• Make use of protective gloves while using irritant substances like detergent.
• Do not overtreat skin disorders.