Conditions & Diseases: Skin Diseases

Contact Dermatitis

Definition: Contact dermatitis is a general term used to describe any reaction the skin has to a foreign substance that causes it to become inflammated, red, itchy and/or irritated. The two main types of contact dermatitis are irritant and allergic.

Common symptoms of irritant contact dermatitis include: redness, itching, crusting, swelling, blistering, oozing, dryness, scaliness, thickening of the skin, and a feeling of warmth at the site of contact. In extreme cases, severe blistering can occur and open sores can form.(1)

The hands are the most vulnerable area for ICD as they frequently come into contact with ICD causing chemicals. Common symptoms of irritant contact dermatitis include: redness, itching, crusting, swelling, blistering, oozing, dryness, scaliness, thickening of the skin, and a feeling of warmth at the site of contact. In extreme cases, severe blistering can occur and open sores can form.(1)

Allergic Contact Dermatitis (ACD) occurs when the skin is exposed or comes into contact with a substance (allergen) that the individual is allergic and who's immune system triggers a response which inflames the skin. (2) There are more than 10,000 allergy causing substances (allergen) ranging from poison ivy, pesticides, cosmetics, to nickel and perfume. Less than 3 dozen different types of allergens are the main culprits behind most cases of ACD.

Symptoms stemming from ACD are similar to ICD including: redness, itching, inflammation, tenderness, localized swelling, and in severe cases, a lesion or rash leading to papules, blistering, oozing, crusting, scaling, rawness and thick.

Diagnosis: Diagnosis of contact dermatitis involves a physical examination of the infected area as well as well as questions by the doctor which may lead him or her to conclude the most likely susbtance as the cause of contact dermatitis. In cases of allergic contact dermatitis, the patch test is nearly always used.

Allergy testing with skin patches may isolate the suspected allergen that is causing the reaction. Patch testing usually involves three different visits with a doctor that specializes in allergies.

Treatment: The first line of treatment for contact dermatitis is avoiding contact with the substance. With ACD, this is best achieved once the doctor identifies the allergen that causes the dermatitis.

Two types of medications are used to treat the symptoms of contact dermatitis until the inflammation or rash go away. These medications include:

• Corticosteroids administered as either topical creams, injections or pills reduce the inflammation.

• Antihistamines

Self-Treatment: In mild cases of contact dermatitis, symptoms can be relieved by washing the infected area immediately with soap and cool water. Calamine lotion may relieve itching and further irritation of the skin.

Article by Jason Morrow,
OmniMedicalSearch.com

Sources:
(1) MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Contact Dermatitis
(2) Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine