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Dermatitis Contact - All about Contact Dermatitis

Info_lover | May 3, 2010 |

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Dermatitis contact is a skin inflammation caused by direct contact with an irritant or allergen that causes an allergy. Such allergic reactions can evolve and vary over time. Only the surface regions of the skin are affected in contact dermatitis. Contact dermatitis creates large, burning, and itchy rashes, and these can take up to a few weeks to heal. If left untreated, chronic contact dermatitis can develop. Do note, a history of any type of allergies will increase a person's risk of contracting this condition.

The types of dermatitis contact and their causes

Irritant contact dematitis. This is the most common type of contact dermatitis and it involves inflammation resulting from direct contact with alkaline materials such as soaps, acids and chemicals. The end result is usually a red burn on the skin.
Allergic contact dermatitis. Also known as ACD in short, this is the second most common type of contact dermatitis and it is caused by direct exposure to an allergic substance. By its allergic nature, this form of dermatitis contact is a hypersensitive reaction that is atypical within the population. The allergic reaction is usually a delayed effect with the rashes only appearing around 48 hours after exposure. Skin inflammation can range from mild irritation to open red sores, depending on the person's sensitivity and affected body part.
Overtreatment dermatitis. It is another form of contact dermatitis that happens when a certain treatment method for a particular skin disorder creates irritation as a result.

Picture of contact dermatitis

Common allergens associated with contact dermatitis include:

Plants such as poison ivy and poison oak
Other chemical substances such as nail polish remover or preservatives in contact lens solutions
Medications such as antibiotics (especially those applied to the skin surface), anesthetic creams
Fabrics and clothing
Detergents and solvents
Shaving lotions, sunscreens
Fragrances, perfumes, cosmetics

Symptoms of dermatitis contact

Inflammation on the skin surface, redness on the kin
Itching of skin in exposed areas
Swelling spots on the skin
Burned sensation of the swelling spots
Rashes or blisters (may have oozing)

Diagnosis tests for contact dermatitis

The diagnosis is primarily based on the skin appearance and a history of exposure to an irritant or an allergen. A common diagnosis method is patch testing. It allows for testing of allergies with skin patches so as to isolate suspected allergens that are causing the skin reaction. Patch testing is used for patients who have chronic contact dermatitis and it requires three office visits and must be done by a clinician with detailed experience in the procedures and interpretation of results. Other tests include skin culture test or skin lesion biopsy.

Treatment for contact dermatitis

Initial treatment involves washing the affected area with plenty of water to remove any traces of irritants. At the same time, you should avoid further exposure to known allergens. In some cases, it is best to do nothing to the area. Skin creams or ointments can also reduce the extent of the skin inflammation. Just follow the instructions carefully and you will be fine. In severe cases of dermatitis contact, systemic corticosteroids may be required to reduce inflammation and they are usually applied gradually over a period of 2 weeks to prevent the rash from reoccurring.