Inflammation of the skin, also known as dermatitis, is a serious medical condition. It is a painful or itchy rash brought on by an allergic or irritant reaction to something that comes into contact with the skin. If you have contact dermatitis, your doctor may be able to diagnose it just by knowing your symptoms.
If you’re experiencing symptoms, your doctor may ask you some questions to determine what’s causing them and possibly narrow down the list of potential triggers. You’ll most likely get a skin test to determine the severity of the rash, too.
What Are The Causes of Allergic Contact Dermatitis?
Your immune system reacts every time your skin comes into contact with an allergen. As a result of the influx of white blood cells, inflammatory chemical mediators are produced in the skin. The rash’s itchiness is a result of this reaction.
Below are the common irritants:
- Botanicals
- Fragrances
- Medications
- Metals
- Poison Ivy
- Preservatives
How Does The Patch Test Work For Contact Allergic Dermatitis?
The source of your rash can be determined with a patch test. Allergens are tested in minute quantities by sticking them to adhesive patches. Afterwards, the patches are applied to the skin.
You should be able to keep your back dry, as the patches must stay on your skin for 3 days. After placing the patches on your skin, your doctor will look for any adverse reactions to determine if further evaluation is necessary.
In case it’s proven that you are suffering from contact allergic dermatitis, here are the best treatments for your skin condition.
Best Treatment for Contact Allergic Dermatitis
Below are the possible treatments for the skin issue. Some are home remedies, while others will require the help of our doctor.
Stay Away From Irritants
The first step is to figure out what’s irritating your skin and avoid it. Your doctor may provide you with a list of common products that contain the substance that causes your condition. Furthermore, please inquire about a list of products that do not contain the allergen or irritant.
Use Anti-Itch Ointment or Cream
Apply a cream or ointment containing 1% hydrocortisone to the irritated area. You can pick this up at any drugstore without a doctor’s prescription. For best results, apply it twice daily for at least a few days. You may also try calamine lotion. We recommend placing it first in the fridge before using.
Take An Anti-Itch Drug
Advil PM, or Benadryl, is an oral antihistamine that may also improve your ability to sleep. In contrast to other over-the-counter antihistamines, loratadine won’t leave you feeling groggy. You may take Alavert and Claritin.
Wet Compresses
The rash can be soothed by applying a cool, wet cloth to the affected area for 15 to 30 minutes, multiple times a day.
Be Protective Of Your Skin
Don’t scratch yourself, and make it a habit to shorten your fingernails. We also encourage putting a dressing over the area if you can’t resist scratching. Likewise, avoid picking at blisters. Keep out of the sun or use other measures to protect your skin from further damage.
Have a Soothing Bath
Cool water should be applied to the area and left on for 20 minutes. It’s best that you invest in oatmeal-based products. A good one is from Aveeno, but you can also ask our experts at Oasis Dermatology for the right product for your condition.
Prescription Pills
In more serious cases, your doctor may recommend taking pills or oral medications to reduce swelling, alleviate itching, and treat any bacterial infection.
Steroid Ointments and Creams
These can be used to help calm the rash when applied topically. Topical steroid creams are available with a doctor’s prescription, and you should consult with them on how you should apply them.
How To Prepare For Your Appointment
Appointments can be short, so it’s best to come prepared so you can maximize the time with your dermatologist.
- Write down all of your symptoms, along with when they first appeared and how long they have lasted.
- You should stay away from anything you think might have triggered the rash.
- Put together a list of every drug and supplement you take.
- Write down what you’ve been using and what you come into regular contact with on the affected areas of your skin.
Questions People Often Ask About Contact Allergic Dermatitis
What symptoms should I watch out for?
Contact dermatitis is no laughing matter. This rash appears on your skin when you touch a certain substance. You’ll experience several symptoms. It happens when your skin gets in contact with the substance you’re allergic to. For instance, you can experience itchiness or redness of the skin. It can also become dry or cracked. Some will see their skin become swollen or tender. Bumps and blisters can also occur. This is rare and is a sign you should see your doctor as soon as possible.
Contact dermatitis can also be the result of an allergic reaction. Your immune system is always compromised in this case. Your body believes it’s under attack and creates antibodies in defense. You won’t see immediate symptoms. But any contact with what you’re allergic to makes the skin sensitive. You’ll see an allergic reaction the next time you’re exposed.
Is contact dermatitis contagious?
Contact allergic dermatitis isn’t contagious so there’s nothing to worry about. You will not catch it by hugging someone with dermatitis. It won’t transfer to your skin if you brush against someone with dermatitis rashes.
What you should worry about is skin that’s cracked. This is one symptom of allergic dermatitis. The openings on the skin’s surface make one vulnerable to infection. And this type of infection can be contagious. It’s why you should be mindful of what triggers your dermatitis and try to avoid it.
What type of contact dermatitis do I have?
There are two kinds of contact dermatitis. You have irritant contact dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis. The former is the most common. Most rashes form due to skin irritants. This is often caused by chemicals. For example, chemicals found in detergent, shampoo, or cosmetics.
Allergic contact dermatitis happens when you have a bad reaction to a substance. This could happen via touch or by the substance finding its way inside your body. Food and its various components are common culprits. Metals and plants like poison ivy can also cause allergic dermatitis.
Get Your Contact Allergic Dermatitis Treated by Oasis Dermatology
Oasis Dermatology has the answers you’re looking for if you want to get treatment for your contact allergic dermatitis. One of our goals is to restore your skin’s health and confidence. Our patients benefit from our services, regardless of their skin issue. Make an appointment or contact us right away.
