General Information About Contact Dermatitis
Disease Details and Frequently Asked Questions
It is a localized skin inflammation, caused by allergies or irritation, resulting from direct contact of the skin with an external substance (chemical, metal, or plant).
Irritant Dermatitis: It is the direct destruction of the skin's protective layer by substances like bleach, acid, or soap (happens to everyone).
Allergic Dermatitis: It is an allergy caused by an overreaction of the immune system, occurring only in people who have a sensitivity to that specific substance.
Nickel metal in fake jewelry, watches, or belt buckles, hair dyes, perfumes, makeup materials, laundry detergents, latex gloves, and plants like poison ivy are the biggest triggers.
Symptoms confined exactly within the borders of the contacted area include severe itching, a red rash, dry and cracked skin, and sometimes fluid-filled blisters and crusting.
The dermatologist examines the clinical appearance. To find out exactly and precisely what the patient is allergic to, a Patch Test is applied, where different substances are taped to the back and left for 48 hours.
The most definitive way of treatment is to completely cut off contact with the identified allergenic substance. Cortisone (steroid) creams, antihistamine pills, and intensive moisturizers that repair the skin are used to relieve the immediate redness and severe itching.
Our health library contents are prepared for informational purposes only and with scientific data available at the time of recording. For all your questions, concerns, diagnosis, or treatment regarding your health, please consult your doctor or a healthcare institution.
