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 Contact Dermatitis is a rash caused by irritants and allergens coming into contact with the skin. Often mistaken for Eczema, contact dermatitis is caused when the skin comes into contact with an allergen, such as a certain plant or chemical, resulting in an allergic reaction which involves the immune system.
The difficulty with diagnosing contact dermatitis is that a skin rash can often be caused by nonallergenic or irritant reactions. Contact dermatitis typically occurs in middle-aged and elderly people, although children can be affected in rare cases.
Irritant Contact Dermatitis
Irritant contact dermatitis is a reaction to a substance which has damaged the skin, the longer the irritant is in contact with the skin the more severe the reaction. Common irritants include soaps and detergents, making hands common areas of infection.
Common causes of Irritant contact dermatitis include;
- Soap, cleansers, bubble bath and detergents.
- Shampoo, conditioner, mousse and hairsprays.
- Perfume, cosmetics and make-up.
- Shaving creams and after-shave.
- Deodorants
- Toothpaste and mouthwashes.
- Medications and feminine hygiene products.
- Lotions, foot powders and foot creams.
- Nickel in earings, jewellery, studs, buttons, coins and zips.
- Plastic rubber in clothes and items which come into contact with the skin.
- Tanning agents used in leather items.
Allergic Contact Dermatitis
Allergic contact dermatitis is seen as an itchy, red, blistered skin reaction following contact with an allergen. Usually occuring 24 to 48 hours following contact the symptoms typically clear up after two to four weeks without treatment.
Common causes of allergic contact dermatitis include;
- Poison ivy.
- Resins from trees and leaves.
- Nickel.
- Perfumes and fragrances found in soaps, lotions and detergents.
- Dyes
- Latex rubber
- Ingredients found in topical medications and ointments applied to the skin.
Contact Dermatitis Treatment
The first method of treating contact dermatitis is to remove or avoid the irritant or allergen from contact with the skin. If a rash or blister has already formed on the skin applying a cold water compress can help to relieve the symptoms.
Topical corticosteroids for small areas of infection or oral corticosteroids for large areas of infection can be taken as appropriate. Always consult your doctor or medical practitioner if symptoms persist or become worse.
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