Skin contact with irritants or allergens can sometimes cause skin contact dermatitis, characterized by redness, itching, inflammation and sometimes blisters. There are two main types: most commonly this is what is called irritant contact dermatitis (damage to the skin) or allergic contact dermatitis (immunity to an allergen). Knowing what causes this condition and how to treat this condition is necessary to manage the condition effectively.
Table of Contents
Common Irritants
Substances that irritate or dry out the skin are usually a source of irritant contact dermatitis. Exposure to the chemical can lead to a reaction that may be worse with frequent or prolonged exposure. Common irritants include:
● Soaps and detergents: Certain strong cleaning agents, specifically strong ones with chemicals can strip the skin of its natural oils.
● Industrial chemicals: Workplaces often contain solvents, acids and alkaline substances that can irritate the skin.
● Fragrances: In fact, fragrances are common irritants—found in personal care products such as lotions and shampoos.
● Cosmetics: There are makeup products that have irritating ingredients for sensitive skin.
● Water: Water, especially hot water, if prolonged exposure, can dry and irritate the skin.
● Gloves: Wearing latex gloves, or those made from other materials, for a prolonged period of time can cause irritation, such as in a workplace.
Common Allergens
If the skin comes in contact with a substance to which you’re allergic, a reaction occurs. This is called allergic contact dermatitis. Common allergens include:
● Nickel: Nickel has long been recognized as the most common cause of allergic contact dermatitis in jewelry, belts and clothing accessories.
● Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac: The oil called urushiol, found in these plants, can cause an allergic reaction in most people.
● Preservatives: Parabens are used in personal care products such as moisturizers and shampoos which can cause allergic reactions.
● Latex: Some people can have allergies to latex products such as gloves and medical supplies.
● Hair dyes: A typical ingredient in hair dyes, paraphenylenediamine (PPD), can be the cause of allergic responses on the scalp and skin.
● Medications: Contact allergies to topical medications such as antibiotic creams (e.g., neomycin) may occur.
Contact Dermatitis Symptoms
Symptoms of contact dermatitis include:
● Redness and swelling
● Sensation of burning and itching
● Dry, cracked, or scaly skin
● Blisters or bumps that may be oozy or crusty.
Contact dermatitis usually can be traced to the culprit substances or activities by identifying which come before the reaction. The best skin specialist in Karachi may request a patch test, when small amounts of possible allergens are put on the skin to see if you develop a reaction to it.
Treating Contact Dermatitis
● Avoiding Triggers: The best treatment for contact dermatitis is to use a treatment that avoids the substance to which the person is reacting. After identified, limit or quit direct exposure to irritants and allergens.
● Topical Corticosteroids: Corticosteroid creams can reduce inflammation and soothe irritated skin, if the medication is over the counter or prescription strength.
● Moisturizers: Hypoallergenic moisturizers are great and using one regularly can help replace the skin’s barrier, stopping future breakouts of irritation.
● Antihistamines: Oral antihistamines are often helpful in allergic contact dermatitis in stopping the itch.
● Cold Compresses: Tips to assist with soothing itching and inflammation include applying cool, damp cloths to affected areas.
● Barrier Creams: The skin can be protected from the irritants that some jobs cannot reasonably be designed to avoid through these creams.
Conclusion
Irritants or allergens can cause uncomfortable skin reactions, a common condition called contact dermatitis. The first step to effective treatment, though, is to determine what it is: Are these everyday products from soaps and cosmetics or workplace chemicals? However, home remedies and topical treatments may alleviate symptoms, and a visit to a dermatologist is always recommended when dealing with persistent or severe rosacea. Patch testing with a dermatologist can help determine the precise culprit and suggest long term, custom treatment, as well as prevention.