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:
- Solvents
- Rubbing alcohol
- Bleach
- Personal care products, such as soaps, deodorants and cosmetics
- Airborne substances, such as sawdust or wool dust
- 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:
- Nickel, which is used in:
- jewelry
- buckles
- Medications, such as:
- antibiotic creams
- oral antihistamines
- Balsam of Peru, used in products, such as :
- perfumes,
- cosmetics
- mouth rinses
- flavorings
- Formaldehyde, present in
- adhesives,
- solvents
- Personal care products, including:
- deodorants,
- body washes
- hair dyes
- cosmetics
- nail polish
- Skin tattooing and black henna
- Plants such as:
- poison ivy rash
- mango
- 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
