Contact dermatitis

Skin rashes eczema

Last Updated December 20th, 2021

Understanding dermatitis

Dermatitis is a general medical term that is used to describe skin irritation. It is a common condition that affects many people globally. It happens due to many reasons and is usually characterized by rashes, itchy, dry skin or inflamed skin. There are several types of dermatitis and the most common ones are

  • Atopic dermatitis or eczema: This type is caused by the skin’s inability to retain moisture due to a gene variation. Eczema is a long-lasting condition that is characterized by red and itchy skin.
  • Cradle cap: This condition, which usually affects babies, causes thick white or yellow scales that aren’t easy to remove.
  • Diaper rash: This is a common form of dermatitis that affects babies. It is characterized by a bright patchwork of red skin on the baby’s buttocks.
  • Seborrheic dermatitis: This type of dermatitis that is characterized by scaly patches and red skin mainly affects the scalp. However, it can also affect the oily areas of the body such as the face, sides of the nose, eyebrows, ears, eyelids and chest.
  • Contact dermatitis: This type of dermatitis develops when the skin comes in contact with certain substances.

What is contact dermatitis?

Contact dermatitis is a condition that is characterized by a red, itchy rash when a person’s skin comes in contact with certain substances like soaps, cosmetics, fragrances, jewelry and plants. It is usually caused by an allergic reaction to a particular substance. The rash is not contagious or very serious but it can cause discomfort.

Causes and types of contact dermatitis

Contact dermatitis happens when your skin gets irritated when it comes in contact with a particular substance. This can happen due to an allergic reaction, a non-allergic reaction or photosensitivity. Depending on the cause, contact dermatitis is divided into three types. These are

Allergic Contact Dermatitis

This type of contact dermatitis occurs when a substance (allergen) triggers an immune response when it comes in contact with the skin. In most cases, the irritation only occurs in the region that came in contact with the allergen. However, sometimes the irritation may spread to other parts of the body. While some allergens like poison ivy can cause a strong reaction after a single exposure, weaker allergens like pollen may require multiple exposures to trigger a reaction.

Here are some of the most common allergens

  • Metals: Nickel is one of the most common allergens that can cause contact dermatitis. Some people may also be allergic to copper, yellow gold, platinum, stainless steel and sterling silver.
  • Medications: People mostly get allergic reactions from antibiotics, with penicillin being the most common allergen. However, people are also allergic to anticonvulsants, aspirin, sulfa drugs and chemotherapy drugs.
  • Formaldehyde: Formaldehyde is a chemical that is used in many products. It is also a common allergen and it was declared the Contact Allergen of the Year for 2015 by the American Contact Dermatitis Society (ACDS).
  • Personal care products: Soaps, shampoos, deodorants, perfumes, hair gel, makeup, lipstick or wax, nail polish may all cause contact dermatitis.
  • Plants: Certain plants can cause contact dermatitis. Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac, balsam of Peru causes contact dermatitis in certain people.
  • Latex: Some people are also allergic to latex and this can cause problems when they use latex products like gloves, condoms and clothing.
  • Airborne substances: Dust, pollen, animal dander (microscopic, flecks of skin shed by animals), dust mites and mold.

Irritant Contact Dermatitis

This is a form of contact dermatitis which results due to the damage of the skin. This can be caused by friction, environmental factors such as cold, over-exposure to water, or chemicals. This is a non-allergic reaction (which means the immune system wasn’t involved) and results due to the outer layer of the skin being damaged.

In some cases, a single exposure to an irritant is sufficient to trigger a strong reaction. In other cases, repeated exposures are required to trigger a reaction. For example, people whose hands are frequently exposed to water experience irritant contact dermatitis.

The following are some of the most common irritants

  • Solvents
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Bleach and detergents
  • Shampoos,
  • Airborne substances, such as sawdust or wool dust
  • Plants
  • Fertilizers and pesticides

Photocontact dermatitis

This type of contact dermatitis happens when a substance on the skin reacts with the ultraviolet rays from the sun. These substances can be

  • Some sunscreens
  • Coal tar products
  • Fragrances
  • Insecticides and disinfectants

These products contain drugs or chemicals that are photosensitizing agents (drugs that are activated when exposed to ultraviolet radiation). The resulting reaction between ultraviolet rays and photosensitizing agents can cause damage to the skin in two ways.

Phototoxic reactions
This happens due to the direct damage of the skin resulting from a reaction between ultraviolet rays and photosensitizing agents. Some symptoms include

  • Burning and stinging sensation in the affected area
  • Redness in the affected area
  • Symptoms similar to a bad sunburn

Photoallergic reactions

This is an allergic reaction that happens when the body’s immune system responds to a certain substance whose structure has changed after exposure to the ultraviolet rays from the sun. Some of the symptoms include

  • Inflammation in the affected area
  • Itching in the affected area
  • Redness in the affected area

Symptoms

Contact dermatitis usually affects the areas of the body that has been exposed to the allergen or irritant. Some of the most common symptoms are

  • Rash: Rashes usually develop within minutes or sometimes hours of exposure to the allergen/irritant. Rashes can last anywhere between two to four weeks.
  • Hives: This is a condition that is characterized with red, raised, itchy skin rash. It is common in allergic contact dermatitis as it is caused by an immune response.
  • Pruritus (itching): This is a common symptom of dermatitis. Depending on the allergen or the irritant, itching may range from mild to severe.
  • Dry, cracked or scaly skin: This is more common in photocontact dermatitis as the skin loses its moisture content.
  • Blisters: This is more common in irritant contact dermatitis especially if the irritant is a strong acid or an alkali.
  • Inflammation or tenderness: This is more common in allergic contact dermatitis as the immune response causes inflammation and tenderness in the affected area.

Diagnosis

Contact dermatitis is usually diagnosed in the following ways

By checking the appearance of the skin

Kawasaki Disease skin peelingRashes associated with different ailments have different appearances or patterns. The rash associated with contact dermatitis is always in the area where the skin has come in contact with the irritant. For example, if you have developed contact dermatitis in the face it may because you are allergic to the makeup. This helps the doctor make the diagnosis.

Identifying the irritants

A patch test is usually done to determine the exact allergen. This involves applying tiny amounts of known allergens on the skin. These patches are applied to your skin for a period of 2-3 days. Your skin will then be examined for any irritation.

While testing for potential irritants, the doctor may ask you to do a repeated open application test. This testy involves using your makeup, deodorant or soap for a period of 5-10 days. The doctor will then look for signs of any irritation.

Skin biopsy

A skin biopsy involves removing a small part of the skin for analysis. In case of contact dermatitis, a biopsy is usually done to rule out other skin disorders like psoriasis and lichen planus. Allergic contact dermatitis can be identified by analyzing the concentration of Langerhans cells (cells that help regulate the immune system) on the skin.

Treatment

Treatment for contact dermatitis mainly involves identifying the substance that is responsible and avoiding it. If the substance is not identified and avoided, the symptoms may become chronic and disabling. Treatment for contact dermatitis may also involve the use of

Topical Steroids
These help in reducing inflammation associated with contact dermatitis. Applying steroid creams or gels two or three times a day will help get the rash under control. Steroid creams of mild strength can be purchased over the counter. If there is no improvement after seven days of application, you will need to contact the doctor, who may prescribe you with a stronger dose. Topical steroids should not be applied on sensitive areas like the face, underarms and genitals as they can skin thinning.

Antihistamines
Histamine is a compound that is released by the body during injury or infection. It causes inflammation and itching. Antihistamines work by stopping the effect of histamines. A sedating antihistamine may be prescribed for contact dermatitis especially if the condition has affected the sleep of the patient. This has had many side effects such as

  • Dryness of mouth
  • Difficulty urinating
  • Dizziness
  • Impaired coordination

Topical Immunomodulators
Skin rashes eczemaThese medications, which are also known as calcineurin inhibitors, also have anti-inflammatory properties. They work by inhibiting the action of calcineurin, an enzyme that activates T-cells of the immune system. They work well for people whose face and other sensitive areas have been affected by dermatitis. However, these creams may cause burning and itching at the application site.

Antibiotics
Antibiotics are prescribed when the contact dermatitis causes secondary bacterial infections. However, people should be careful while using antibiotics as these medicines are also sometimes responsible for contact dermatitis.

Systemic Steroids
These are synthetic derivatives of cortisol, a natural steroid that is produced by the adrenal glands. Systemic steroids are generally prescribed when the rash associated with contact dermatitis is severe. Although they usually provide quick relief, it is only prescribed for short periods of time. This is because systemic steroids have many side effects which may include

  • Weight gain
  • Bone thinning
  • Cataracts, glaucoma
  • Easy bruising
  • Sleep disturbances

Phototherapy
This is a type of treatment that involves the use of fluorescent light bulbs, sunlight or other sources of light to treat certain conditions like phototherapy. These light sources emit ultraviolet rays which inhibit cell growth and inflammation.

Treatment for this contact dermatitis also involves managing the symptoms associated with this disorder. Here are some ways to manage the symptoms

  • Itching can be reduced by using a cold compress.
  • People whose hands are affected should not wash their hands too many times. The use of mild moisturizers, soaps and detergents may also help. Gloves should also be used at all times.
  • People who have lesions that are oozing can use Aluminum triacetate (Burrow’s solution) or calamine.
  • If you are allergic to metals, use covers over metal fasteners to avoid skin contact.

 

Dos and Don'ts

Dos
  • Always test out a new personal product like deodorants, lipstick and creams before buying.
  • Always wear gloves while working with chemicals.
  • You should regularly moisturize your skin with a mild moisturizer.
Don'ts
  • Take long showers or baths. Water washes away the natural oils from the skin and makes it prone rashes
  • Itch or rub your skin hard. This will lead to the breakage of the skin, which in turn could lead to infections.
  • Spend too much time in the sun as that may worsen the symptoms.

 

 

 

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apolipoprotein a1 test
Apolipoprotein -A1 (APO-A1) Test Apolipoprotein A-I (Apo-A1) constitutes 70% of protein content in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and helps in lipid metabolism.
Ovarian cyst diagnosis and treatment
Ovarian cysts Know everything about ovarian cysts, its causes, types, diagnosis and treatment options such as home remedies and surgical…
Ovarian cyst diagnosis and treatment
Ovarian cysts Know everything about ovarian cysts, its causes, types, diagnosis and treatment options such as home remedies and surgical…
Heart diseases patient
Heart Valve Surgery A heart valve surgery is a procedure to replace or repair the diseased heart valves. The most commonly…
Coffee Enema: Turn your favorite morning beverage into a powerful colon cleanser The wonders of coffee are not just limited to waking you up every morning. You can now use…
Oxidative Stress: Understanding the most lethal phenomenon happening in your body right now Free radicals cause damage to the body, which is known as oxidation.  The amount of oxidation caused by…
Shilajit: A miracle Himalayan herb for an active and happy life The Himalayas contain more wonders than you thought. Shilajit is a miracle herb that is widely used in…
Anhedonia: Does the chronic inability to feel joy affect you too? How often do you feel dragged down by an invisible force? Do you feel an inexplicable emotional numbness…
biopsy procedure
Biopsy Biopsy is a procedure of studying a live tissue sample collected from a specific organ for diagnosing a…
Mood swings
The real reasons for your mood swings and how to overcome them Are you prone to heated moods frequently? Do you also feel bouts of depressive feeling creeping up on…
Green, brown, & bitter: The instant advantages of including fenugreek in your diet Did you know the earliest usage of fenugreek can be traced back to the Egyptian civilization? Find out…
Kava: Is it the healthy substitute for alcohol you have been waiting for? Native to the beautiful South Pacific islands, Kava is a famous beverage rooted in the local culture. It…
Okra: How can this nutrient-dense vegetable help you fight diabetes? Okra is a food which is rich in nutrients and minerals which are extremely essential for a healthy…
How can berberine supplements help you live longer and healthier? Berberine is a turmeric look-alike herbal extract that is credited with numerous health benefits ranging from diabetes cure…
Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) test Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) is an enzyme that is found in every cell of the body and it plays…
stress depressed anxiety
Are you depressed or just stressed? Know when to see a doctor Why are some people more anxious than others? Is being depressed the same as feeling sad? Have you…
rosacea-treatment--before-_-after
The best and safest ways to treat rosacea Rosacea is a skin disease that is characterized by reddish hives and rashes on the face. Read more…
General adaptation syndrome: Understanding stress, one step at a time The struggle of the body to produce hormones during a stressful situation is the main theme of general…
Thyroid disorders
Thyroid Profile Thyroid profile is a panel of blood tests performed to check if an individual is suffering from any…
APL IgM Test
Antiphospholipid Antibody(APL)-IgM test The antiphospholipid antibodies are specific protein in the body directed against the phospholipids. It is used to detect…
alcohol toxic
7 startling facts that will make you quit alcohol today Does drinking really make you friendly and happy? How many calories does a can of cold beer add…
helping friend with depression
Support and care tips for helping people with depression Read to find out what is depression, its causes and symptoms. Also check out the steps describing how…
Blood Disorders cancer
Immunotherapy immunotherapy is a treatment that boosts the body's immune system to identify the cancer cells and fight cancer.
Lung cancer xray
Lobectomy Lobectomy is a surgery where a lobe of the diseased lung is removed. It is mainly done to…
heartfail_2
Open Heart Surgery An open heart surgery is a major procedure performed to treat heart diseases like congenital heart problem, heart…
DHEA wrinkles
DHEA: Now get unbelievable age defiance with this wonder hormone! DHEA is known popularly as the age-defying hormone. This supplement is widely used to slow down aging and…
BRAT Diet: What is the right way to follow this diarrhea-relieving diet? BRAT diet, a simple diet consisting of just bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast, can help you combat the…
lipoprotein A
Lipoprotein (A) Test Lipoprotein (A) test is used to measure and monitor the levels of LDL(Low-Density Lipoprotein) in the bloodstream in…
Tart Cherry: The healthiest excuse for taking that second serving of pie Tart cherry has been traditionally used in delectable desserts such as pies. Recent studies have revealed that its…
Vitamin K2: 8 reasons why you need this bone-building & cancer-fighting nutrient Vitamin K2 is claimed to be essential for your bone health, for reducing the risk of cancer, and…
Jack in the box fast food
Jack In the Box : The perils of surging fast food culture in the USA Jack in the Box - How a culture of fast-food can clog your arteries, weaken your heart, fatten…
anti ds dna test
Anti Ds-DNA antibody Test The  Anti Ds-DNA antibody test is used to diagnose the disease called lupus or more aptly the SLE(Systematic…
Ca 19.9 test
CA19.9 Test CA 19.9 is a cancer antigen that exists on the surface of cancer-causing cells. The levels of CA…
Vagus nerve: 7 health benefits of stimulating the “gut-brain” connection As a matter of fact, there are two vagus nerves namely the left and the right but is…
Chest X-Ray A chest x-ray is a diagnostic test that uses x-rays to visualize the structures inside your chest. It…
CLA: A breakthrough weight loss supplement with minimal side effects Tried every weight loss supplement in the market with no substantial gain? Why not try CLA supplements, derived…
HSV-1_IGG
Herpes Simplex Virus I (HSV)-IgG Test Herpes simplex virus I(HSV)-IgG is an Immunoglobulin protein that acts as an antibody & stays in the blood…
What is Qigong and how can it help you channelize you inner “Qi”? Qigong is an integrated way of performing a traditional exercise regimen that can help in promoting health, mental…
Tissue Transglutaminase Antibody (tTG) Test Transglutaminase is an enzyme present in our body and is involved in protein metabolism. A tTg test is…
6 arguments in favour of glucosamine and where can you find it Studies have shown that glucosamine works by preventing the breakdown of cartilage of the joints. This is usually…
xylitol gum
Xylitol : Is this the right sugar substitute for you? Discovered during World War 2 owing to sugar shortage, xylitol has become a common name in pharamaceutical industry.…
Cordyceps: How the Caterpillar fungus works as a proven cancer-shield Strange as it may sound, but cordyceps or "caterpillar fungus", a fungus variety native to the Himalayas may…
Bronchoscopy procedure
Bronchoscopy Bronchoscopy is a procedure where in a scope is inserted into the lung pathway to observe any growth…
Hydroquinone: Is it the best topical treatment for hyperpigmentation? Darkening of the skin due to high melanin levels is called hyperpigmentation.  Hydroquinone interferes with melanin production thus treating…
SIBO Diet: The important dos and don’ts of this gut-healing diet A SIBO diet is a diet that works by eliminating certain sugars from your diet and adding fibers…
Milk Thistle skin
Milk Thistle: Find possible cures for fatal diseases in these purple blooms Milk thistle is well-known for treating liver conditions. However, did you know that it comes with a plethora…
Tamarind: The top health benefits of this staple Asian ingredient Did you know this sweet and sour pulpy fruit does more than just add a tangy flavor to…
Hibiscus: Nourish your beauty and health with these vibrant blooms Hibiscus is a trumpet shaped flower found abundantly in tropical countries. It has been historically used for its…
Erythritol: A healthy sugar substitute or yet another marketing ploy? Erythritol is a popular choice of a healthy alternative sweetening agent in foods. But how healthy can a…
Trisodium Phosphate: How a paint thinner made its way into your breakfast Ever thought how toxic chemicals find their way into our foods? How can they harm our body? And…
folate test
Folate test The Folate test measures and monitors the levels of folic acid in the blood. This test is also…
Alp enzyme-test
ALP test – Alkaline Phosphate ALP or alkaline phosphate is an enzyme mainly produced by the liver and gallbladder. ALP test measures the…
iron deficiency profile
Iron Deficiency Profile An iron deficiency profile is a battery of blood tests which are performed in order to determine the…
antiHEV IgM test
Anti hepatitis E virus (Anti HEV) IgM Test Anti HEV IgM test determines the level of the IgM antibodies in the blood, The disease is often…
sodium chloride
Halotherapy: How inhaling salt can work wonders for your body Halotherapy is quickly gaining popularity amongst those with respiratory diseases. It has shown promise in its treatment.
Love tea, hate tannins? Rooibos tea is just what you need The market is brimming with a multitude of herbal teas. But what makes rooibos tea (or red bush)…

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