Contact dermatitis refers to a skin reaction triggered by exposure to something in your environment, leading to an itchy rash. The term “dermatitis” describes irritation or inflammation of the skin. This condition occurs when your skin comes into contact with an object, organism, substance, or chemical that irritates you.
The two main types of contact dermatitis are:
Contact dermatitis usually appears as a rash with the following characteristics:
Scratching the rash can break the skin, leading to wounds that might be infected. Infected areas could appear red and crusty, hurt more, or even ooze pus.
Contact dermatitis can occur anywhere your skin touches an allergen or irritant. The most common areas include:
Contact dermatitis occurs when your skin physically encounters an irritant or allergen. If the body reacts negatively, the immune system triggers a reaction, causing swelling, inflammation and an itchy rash. Irritant-induced rashes can appear within minutes, while allergen-related rashes may take hours or even days to develop.
The common allergens that trigger allergic contact dermatitis are:
Common irritants that can lead to irritant contact dermatitis are:
Yes, contact dermatitis can spread to various areas of your body, especially in cases of allergic contact dermatitis. This can happen if you come into direct contact with an allergen and then touch other body parts before realizing you have been exposed. It may also spread if multiple body parts are exposed to the allergen; the reaction develops gradually over time. If the rash spreads, consult a healthcare provider for appropriate treatment.
The risk of developing contact dermatitis may be higher for individuals in certain professions or those engaging in specific hobbies. These include:
While the rash is the primary symptom, severe complications can arise, especially in cases of allergic reactions. These include:
Anaphylaxis is rare but requires immediate medical attention. If you experience breathing difficulties, call 911 straightaway. An epinephrine injection (such as from an EpiPen®) can help counteract the reaction. Individuals with known severe allergies should always carry with them injectable epinephrine.
To diagnose contact dermatitis, your doctor will review your medical history, perform a physical examination, and ask about your symptoms.
No specific test can determine the cause of irritant contact dermatitis. The doctor will ask detailed questions about your environment, potential exposure to irritants, and the characteristics of the rash (size and location). Questions may include:
For cases of allergic contact dermatitis, the physician may conduct tests, such as a patch test, in order to confirm the diagnosis. In this test, a sticky patch covered with common allergens is placed on your skin. After a set period, the patch is removed, and the provider checks for a reaction to the allergens.
In rare instances, a skin culture or biopsy may be done, where a sample of the rash tissue is taken and examined under a microscope.
Contact dermatitis treatment, whether allergic or irritant, generally includes the following approaches:
To relieve and soothe your skin from contact dermatitis, consider these at-home remedies:
Avoid using antihistamine lotions unless recommended by your doctor, as they may cause an allergic reaction or additional skin irritation.
To prevent contact dermatitis, consider the following measures:
Consider consulting your GP if your skin rash:
Seek emergency medical attention or dial 911 immediately if you experience:
Contact dermatitis occurs when your skin reacts to an environmental trigger, resulting in an itchy rash. A medical practitioner can help identify the specific allergen or irritant responsible for the reaction and guide you on avoiding it. If the trigger is related to your workplace, your doctor can advise you and your employer can assist in creating a safer environment to minimize the risk of skin reactions in the future.
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