Have you ever gotten with a rash after working in the garden, trying a new fragrance or wearing a new watch? If so, chances are you were dealing with contact dermatitis. Contact Dermatitis is an itchy rash caused by direct contact with a certain substance. The substance might irritate the skin, or in some cases, trigger an allergic reaction. The rash is not contagious and typically appears within a few days of exposure.
Who gets contact dermatitis?
Contact dermatitis is very common because we are surrounded by potential allergens. People with sensitive skin or other skin conditions might experience contact dermatitis more often than others. Because contact dermatitis can occur after continued exposure to a chemical, there are also some professions, like hairdressers and florists, that have a higher risk for developing contact dermatitis.
What is irritant contact dermatitis?
Irritant contact dermatitis happens more often than allergic contact dermatitis and occurs when a chemical substance irritates the skin. The rash tends to be more painful than itchy. Common causes of irritant contact dermatitis include:
- Detergents
- Soaps
- Hair dye
- Nail polish remover
- Paint
- Body fluids
- Plastics
A common example of irritant contact dermatitis is when the hands become red and dry after frequent hand washing820.
What is allergic contact dermatitis?
Allergic contact dermatitis occurs when your skin comes in contact with an allergen triggering an immune reaction in your skin. White blood cells are recruited and the body releases chemicals causing inflammation and rash. Unlike irritant contact dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis can also be triggered by things you ingest such as food and medicines. Common causes of allergic contact dermatitis include:
- Nickel (commonly found in jewelry and belt buckles)
- Personal care products (especially fragrances)
- Plants (such as poison ivy)
- Formaldehyde (preservative commonly found in cosmetics)
- Airborne allergens such as pollen and spray insecticides
What are the symptoms of contact dermatitis and how is it diagnosed?
You might be experiencing contact dermatitis if you have a rash that is red, swollen, itchy, painful, and/or blistering. Sometimes the rash can appear in certain patterns, like the outline of your watch band on your wrist or a red line of blisters when a plant may have scratched your leg. Oftentimes, a dermatologist can diagnose contact dermatitis by conducting a physical examination and reviewing a patient’s history. Common culprits for causing contact dermatitis can be avoided for extended periods of time to see if the rash resolves. In some cases, further diagnostic testing may be recommended like a skin biopsy to confirm the diagnosis or patch testing to determine likely irritants or allergens.
How is contact dermatitis treated or managed?
Treatment for irritant and allergic contact dermatitis are often the same. They can sometimes be frustrating for the patient, because even with treatment these rashes can take several weeks to resolve. If you are able to determine what is causing the rash, avoidance is one of the best ways to resolve your rash. Topical corticosteroid creams and oral antihistamines are often recommended to help reduce inflammation and itching. Oral steroids, such as prednisone, are sometimes prescribed if the rash is severe or is not responding to topical steroids and antihistamines.
Can I prevent contact dermatitis?
There are several precautions you can take to help avoid contact dermatitis:
- Wash your skin and clothing immediately after suspected exposure.
- Wear protective clothing such as gloves, safety glasses and long sleeves when working with potential irritants or allergens.
- Use moisturizer regularly to help your skin from becoming dry. Dry skin is more susceptible to irritants.
- Bathe your pets often. Certain allergens, such a poison ivy, can cling to pets and spread to patients.
