Dermatitis as a diagnosis is quite known to the general public because the word itself tells us that there is something causing skin allergy symptoms and issues. One can suffer from different types of dermatitis, such as eczema, rash, neurodermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, etc. Many people struggle with dandruff, for example, which is a type of this skin condition, meaning that it is pretty common to struggle with some kind of dermatitis. 

Our skin is the biggest organ in the body and our biggest protector. Being on the frontline means being exposed to different external factors, so it is only natural that various issues start impacting the health of our skin. 

Contact dermatitis is a type of dermatitis which is referred to as an inflammation or irritation. Dermatitis of this kind is actually an allergic reaction that causes a painful, sometimes itchy, rash on the skin. The name of the condition implies that you have to get in contact with something that will cause an allergic reaction or irritation, i.e., allergic or irritant contact dermatitis. Depending on what you are allergic to, this can vary from allergens to irritants. 

Experts say that contact dermatitis is quite common because today, we are surrounded by different irritants and allergens. Having sensitive skin or chronic skin conditions does not help when it comes to developing contact dermatitis. 

It is imperative to be aware of any changes on your skin and any potential skin allergy symptoms, which will be discussed in more detail below. If you notice any type of changes that might worry you, contact your chosen doctor immediately. In case you are in the process of selecting a specialist, make sure you visit the Allergy and Immunology Center because our expert team is experienced and ready to help you with anything related to allergies.  

Types of Contact Dermatitis

As you might have already concluded, there are two main types of this condition which include allergic and irritant contact dermatitis. Both can be diagnosed due to the appearance of a rash on the skin; the only difference is that with allergic contact dermatitis, the substance causing it is an allergen and the rash is itchier, while with irritant contact dermatitis, the rash is painful and caused by an irritant (a chemical most often). 

What Causes Contact Dermatitis?

Doctor Explaining to Patient

 

One of the problems people face very often when it comes to the irritant or allergic contact dermatitis is the difficulty in finding the cause of the condition. Many people wonder what causes contact dermatitis, and today we are bringing you a few options to help you out if you are struggling with determining the cause of your condition. 

Each time you come in contact with something you are allergic to, i.e., an allergen or an irritant, your immune system will respond to protect you. The inflammation chemical mediators are released through the white blood cells, and a rash, which is very often itchy and uncomfortable, appears. Sometimes the rash takes just a minute or two to show up, and sometimes it will appear a few days after the initial exposure to an allergen or an irritant. 

As mentioned earlier, you can get contact dermatitis which is caused by an allergen or an irritant. 

Some of the known and frequent causes of allergic contact dermatitis are:

  • Poison ivy (the most common cause)
  • Different fragrances
  • Nickel and other metals 
  • Different herbs and plants
  • Medication 
  • Preservatives

Irritant contact dermatitis is more frequent than allergic one. In the case of this type of contact dermatitis, a person develops a rash due to a chemical substance that irritates the outside layer of the skin. The rash is quite painful but not as itchy. The potential causes of irritant contact dermatitis are:

  • Acids 
  • Urine and saliva 
  • Hair dyes 
  • Paints 
  • Nail polish removers 
  • Detergents and soaps
  • Different cleaning supplies 

Symptoms of Contact Dermatitis 

It has been mentioned a few times that the most common sign of contact dermatitis is a rash. Below we are bringing you a few other characteristics and skin allergy symptoms, so you can determine your condition’s severity and contact your chosen doctor. The characteristics include the following:

  • Redness 
  • Swelling
  • Blistering 
  • Scaling of the rash
  • Itchy rash
  • Painful rash 
  • Stinging feeling 

Diagnosis

When it comes to diagnosis, clinical examinations are performed to monitor the signs that indicate the development of contact dermatitis. Your personal medical history can help discover the condition’s potential causes. 

If the rash does not go away after you have stopped exposing yourself to the trigger, then it is time to do more in-depth testing. For allergic contact dermatitis, there is a method named patch testing, which identifies the main cause of your condition. This test includes wearing adhesive patches until the skin reveals an allergic reaction. Your medical provider monitors the whole process and makes a final diagnosis after the last patch. 

Unfortunately, there are no tests for irritant contact dermatitis, and the only way to diagnose this condition is to share with your health provider what you come in contact with daily regarding chemicals and changes on the skin. 

How to Treat Contact Dermatitis? 

Treatment steps for both types of contact dermatitis are more or less the same. The treatment will take some time to start working, so be patient and persistent. The typical treatments include:

  • Avoiding the allergens/irritants 
  • Anti-itching creams, i.e., corticosteroid creams that can help with irritation and inflammation 
  • Steroids taken orally that can help relieve the rash 
  • Immunosuppressive medication which is used in severe cases when nothing else helps

Complications?

While very rare, certain complications might occur when experiencing contact dermatitis. When you suffer from allergic contact dermatitis, there is a possibility of experiencing immunologic dysfunction and developing hives (red, itchy skin welts) and angioedema (swelling under the skin). Very rarely does the patient develop an allergic reaction called anaphylaxis, which is life-threatening as it makes the airways swell up and close. This is handled with an epinephrine injection, so immediately call 911 if this happens to you. 

Generally, contact dermatitis does not cause any major issues, so just try to get diagnosed on time and ask your doctor for advice and guidance. 

Can I Prevent Contact Dermatitis?

 

Woman Applying Cream to Hands

Avoidance is the best type of prevention when it comes to this condition. It is not always possible to avoid potential allergens and irritants, so this might be helpful advice:

  • Use fragrances that are mild
  • Use detergents, cleaners, and soaps that are dye-free
  • Use creams and body lotions without fragrances 
  • When you think you have gotten in contact with an allergen or irritant, wash it off immediately

Visit Us!

Contact dermatitis can be quite frustrating and stressful. The expert team in our center is experienced enough to handle different types of allergies and help the patients to the best of our abilities. Visit our center and schedule an appointment!