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

2. Medications, such as:

• antibiotic creams
• oral antihistamines

3. Balsam of Peru, used in products, such as :

• perfumes,
• cosmetics
• mouth rinses
• flavorings

4. Formaldehyde, present in

• adhesives,
• solvents

5. Personal care products, including:

• deodorants,
• body washes
• hair dyes
• cosmetics
• nail polish
• Skin tattooing and black henna

6. Plants such as:

• poison ivy rash
• mango

7. 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.

By : Natural Health News