Contact dermatitis

Contact Dermatitis

Description of contact dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is an inflammation of the outer layers of the skin, caused by exposure to certain substances. It usually appears as a rash, which is usually limited to the area of ​​the body, where the contact.

Description of contact dermatitis

Contact dermatitis, usually, causing irritants or allergens. Irritant irritates the skin, and an allergen is a substance, that causes allergic reactions. A person may be exposed to certain materials for many years and never have a problem with this, but then suddenly can develop contact dermatitis.

Some common causes of contact dermatitis include:

• Acids;
• Alkalis;
• Solvents;
• Acetone;
• Soap;
• Detergents;
• Metals, such as nickel (used in jewelry, can cause allergies);
• Rubber;
• Latex;
• Cosmetics and toiletries;
• Deodorants;
• Preservatives;
• Plants, such as poison ivy;
• Medications.

Risk factors for contact dermatitis

Factors, that may increase the risk of contact dermatitis include:

• Contact with an irritant or allergen;
• Allergies to certain substances, Plants such as, chemicals or drugs.

The symptoms of contact dermatitis

The symptoms of contact dermatitis may vary from person to person. Scratching and rubbing can cause or worsen some symptoms. Rash, usually, occurs region, where there was contact with the substance, but it can sometimes spread to other parts of the body. If the irritant is contacted with the whole body, eg, using a body lotion, exposure may be a significant part of the skin.

Symptoms of contact dermatitis include:

• Itch;
• Redness;
• Swelling;
• Blisters;
• Allocation from the affected area of ​​the liquid;
• Temporary thickening of the skin.

Diagnosis of contact dermatitis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical examination. You may be referred to a doctor, who specializes in skin diseases (dermatologist) or allergies (allergist).

Treatment of contact dermatitis

The main goal of treatment is to identify the substance, causes a reaction, and its removal or avoidance. Finding the cause of contact dermatitis may take several days or weeks.

If you can not determine the cause of skin reactions alone, perhaps, It needs to go through intraoral (Patch) tests. In a patch test, a small amount of the suspected substance is applied to the skin and sealed with adhesive tape. Another strip of tape, does not contain substances, also adheres to the skin. Both patches are removed after a certain period of time. If the skin is red and swollen under the patch only with the suspect material, you probably, are allergic to it.

Treatment also focuses on caring for skin and relieved the symptoms of contact dermatitis. Techniques include:

Skin Care in contact dermatitis

• Wash the affected area with water and mild soap or cleanser and gently pat dry;
• Apply a protective ointment, eg, vaseline;
• Do not pierce the blisters and abrade, as the way to bring an infection;
• Cover the blisters dry bandage.

Drugs in the treatment of contact dermatitis

Do not use these medications without consulting your doctor.

• Creams and ointments, containing cortisone;
• Drugs containing corticosteroids, such as prednisone (in severe cases);
• Antihistamines (may relieve itching in some cases, but not always useful for contact dermatitis);
• Phototherapy or immunosuppressants Receiving, Taki how methotrexate or cyclosporine, in the most severe, resistant, and chronic cases.

Preventing contact dermatitis

To prevent contact dermatitis:

• Identify the allergens and irritants, that cause the disease and try to avoid them;
• Prior to contact with substances, causing contact dermatitis, wear gloves and protective clothing;
• Use protective skin cream and take care of her.