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Contact Dermatitis Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

What Is Contact Dermatitis?

Contact dermatitis is a type of skin inflammation.

It is a red, itchy rash caused by a substance that comes into contact with the skin.

The rash isn’t contagious or life-threatening, but it can be very uncomfortable.

Types of contact dermatitis include:

  • Irritant contact dermatitis
  • Allergic contact dermatitis
  • Occupational contact dermatitis

Causes Of Contact Dermatitis:

Contact dermatitis is caused by exposure to substances which trigger an allergic reaction.

The cause depends upon the type of contact dermatitis.

  • Irritant contact dermatitis:

This occurs when a substance damages your skin’s outer protective layer.

Some common irritants include:

  1. Solvents
  2. Rubbing alcohol
  3. Bleach
  4. Personal care products, such as soaps, deodorants and cosmetics
  5. Airborne substances, such as sawdust or wool dust
  6. Burdock, a plant used in alternative medicine therapies
  • Allergic contact dermatitis

Usually affecting the exposed area, allergic contact dermatitis occurs when a substance to which one is sensitive (allergen) to triggers an immune reaction in the skin.

Common Allergies Include:

  1. Nickel, which is used in:
  • jewelry
  • buckles
  1. Medications, such as:
  • antibiotic creams
  • oral antihistamines
  1. Balsam of Peru, used in products, such as :
  • perfumes,
  • cosmetics
  • mouth rinses
  • flavorings
  1. Formaldehyde, present in
  • adhesives,
  • solvents
  1. Personal care products, including:
  • deodorants,
  • body washes
  • hair dyes
  • cosmetics
  • nail polish
  • Skin tattooing and black henna
  1. Plants such as:
  1. Airborne substances

Symptoms Of Contact Dermatitis:

People who develop contact dermatitis show the following signs and symptoms:

  • Red rash or bumps
  • Itching, which may be severe
  • Dry, cracked, scaly skin, if your condition is chronic
  • Blisters, draining fluid and crusting, if your reaction is severe
  • Swelling, burning or tenderness

Diagnosis Of Contact Dermatitis:

Contact dermatitis can be diagnosed via thorough examination of signs and symptoms.

The following procedure is taken:

  • Taking a medical history
  • Doing a physical exam
  • Performing a Patch test

Treatment Of Contact Dermatitis:

Treatment for contact dermatitis includes the following:

  • Avoiding the irritant or allergen
  • Applying prescription steroid cream
  • Applying medications to repair the skin
  • Using oral medications.

 

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By : Natural Health News

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