Contact Dermatitis Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Contact dermatitis is a condition characterized by a red and itchy rash due to direct contact with an object. The rash is not contagious or life-threatening, but it can be uncomfortable.
Many things can cause these complaints, including soaps, cosmetics, fragrances, jewelry, or plants. To treat contact dermatitis properly, identification and prevention of its causes must be carried out. If successfully prevented, the rash generally resolves within two to four weeks.
Symptom
Contact dermatitis generally causes signs and symptoms to appear on the parts of the body that have experienced direct exposure to the reacting substance. The resulting rash generally starts within minutes or hours and can persist for two to four weeks.
Signs and symptoms that can occur in contact dermatitis include:
- Red rash
- Itching, which can be very annoying
- Dry, cracked, and scaly skin
- Lumps and blisters, which may be accompanied by oozing or crusting
- Swelling, burning, or pain
Reason
Contact dermatitis can occur when the skin shows a reaction to something. This can be:
- Irritants, which are substances that directly damage the outer layer of the skin.
- Allergens, which are substances that cause the immune system to mount a response that affects the skin.
Irritant contact dermatitis can result from frequent exposure to a weak irritant, such as soap or detergent. However, complaints can also arise due to contact with strong irritants in a shorter time.
Some common types of irritants are soaps, detergents, antiseptics, antibacterials, fragrances, and preservatives in toiletries or cosmetics. Besides that, it can also be caused by disinfectants, cement, chlorinated water, bleach, and several types of plants.
Allergic contact dermatitis can occur due to certain substances (allergens) that trigger an immune system reaction in the skin. This condition generally affects areas that experience direct contact with allergens.
Several types of allergens that can cause allergic contact dermatitis are cosmetic ingredients such as preservatives, fragrances, and so on. Other allergens are iron (such as nickel and cobalt in the jewelry), topical treatments, rubber, including latex which is a type of natural rubber, textile materials, strong adhesives, and several types of plants.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of contact dermatitis can be determined through a detailed medical interview, direct physical examination, and certain supporting examinations. The doctor can ask about signs and symptoms experienced, questions about substances that trigger complaints, questions about daily life and work, and see the pattern and intensity of rashes on the skin.
Doctors can also suggest doing a patch test to see if the patient has an allergy to certain substances. In carrying out a patch test, small amounts of various types of allergens are placed on an adhesive patch, which is then placed on the skin. After two days, the doctor will look for a reaction on the skin under the patch and assess whether further testing is needed.
Treatment
Treatment for contact dermatitis can be done in various ways, including:
- Avoid triggers. One of the most important steps in dealing with contact dermatitis is avoiding allergens or irritants that cause complaints.
If allergens or irritants can be avoided, complaints can subside. When exposure to irritants is part of the job, it is strongly recommended to use protective equipment to minimize contact with the substance.
- Emollient. Emollients are moisturizing treatments that are applied directly to the skin to reduce water loss and protect the skin through a protective layer. Doctors can prescribe certain types of emollients depending on the type and condition of the skin.
- Oral medication. In severe cases, doctors can prescribe oral anti-inflammatory and/or allergy medications to treat complaints.
Prevention
Some common precautions that can be taken to avoid contact dermatitis are:
- Avoid irritants and allergens. By knowing certain substances that can cause complaints of contact dermatitis, an individual can avoid these substances.
- Wear protective clothing or gloves. The use of face coverings, eye protection, gloves and other personal protective equipment can prevent exposing the skin to irritating substances, including household cleaners.
- Use a moisturizer. Keeping the skin moist can maintain the outermost layer of the skin and reduce the risk of irritation.