Allergic contact dermatitis is an itchy skin condition that occurs when an individual comes in direct contact with a substance they are allergic to. This skin rash is not contagious but may lead to discomfort. Countless substances can be the reason behind allergic contact dermatitis, such as plants, jewellery, fragrances, and even cosmetics. The best way to manage the condition is by detecting and avoiding the cause of the allergic reaction. This content reveals more about contact dermatitis symptoms, its causes, types, treatments, etc.
The Symptoms/Signs of Allergic Contact Dermatitis
ACD, or allergic contact dermatitis, is said to account for 20% of the contact dermatoses. However, the allergens vary based on personal habits, geography, and hobbies. Some of the contact dermatitis symptoms/signs you should be aware of:
- Appears as purple, red, or much darker than the normal skin tone
- Itch usually strong
- Elevated, hive-like, or swollen from the skin that surrounds it
- Painful with a sensation that’s stinging or burning
- Bumpy with tiny clusters of blisters or pimples
If you have allergic contact dermatitis, make sure not to scratch on the rash. Doing so will break the skin, leading to a wound developing. If the wound gets infected, it will appear crusty or red and might leak out or be painful.
The Causes of Allergic Contact Dermatitis
A wide range of substances can trigger contact dermatitis causes, with over 15,000 potential allergens identified:
- Nickel, like in watches and jewellery
- Chemicals or perfumes in skincare and cosmetics items
- Urushiol is usually found in the sap of poison sumac, poison ivy, and poison oak
- Balam of Peru is present in several skincare items and food items
- Preservatives
- Medications, such as antibiotics
- Airborne allergens, such as spray insecticides and rag wheel pollen
What are Some Examples of Allergic Contact Dermatitis?
Allergic contact dermatitis can be caused due to many reasons. Some of the key examples are listed below:
- A contact allergy causes eczema under the adhesive plaster to rosin.
- Blistering and swelling occur due to contact dermatitis on face and neck due to permanent hair dye because of being allergic to paraphenylenediamine.
- Fingertip dermatitis occurs because of acrylates in nail cosmetics and hair extensions.
- Hand dermatitis developed due to rubber accelerator chemicals, normally used for crafting rubber gloves.
If you have a red and itchy face, it can also lead to allergic contact dermatitis, as it occurs when you come in contact with “methylisothiazolinone.” This is a preservative found in baby wipes and wash-off hair items.
How is Allergic Contact Dermatitis Diagnosed?
Knowing how this condition is diagnosed is crucial to acquiring the best treatment. An allergy expert will conduct patch testing, exposing the skin to tiny amounts of materials/substances normally known to cause allergies. You must wear the skin patch for roughly 48 hours and ensure the area is completely dry. Visit the physician after one day so that he/she can check that particular area of the skin. You must also return after a week to get your skin inspected further. If you experience contact dermatitis rash within just a week, there is a high chance you have an allergy. On certain occasions, many individuals experience an instant reaction on their skin.
Allergic Contact Dermatitis: Stages and Treatment Options
There are several contact dermatitis healing stages that you should be well aware of so that you can get the condition treated on time:
For Mild Reactions:
If this condition’s reaction is pretty mild, the physical will suggest the following allergic contact dermatitis treatment options to you:
- Light Therapy
- Soothing creams or lotions
- Topical Corticosteroids like “Hydrocortisone”
- Antihistamine medications, such as Loratadine, Cetirizine and Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
- Oatmeal baths
For Severe Reactions:
If the condition is causing serious reactions, such as making the face swell up, you should opt for the following contact dermatitis face treatment:
- Wet dressing
- Prednisone
If you’re experiencing an infection, you should take antibiotics for relief. However, in both of the cases whether it is mild or severe, one has to take a proper consultation with the specialist to understand each and every step during the treatment.
Conclusion
Knowing what is contact dermatitis is crucial as it is a condition that can occur to countless individuals. The best way to avoid this rash is to know what you are allergic to and to avoid contact with the allergen. That way, you can prevent your skin from getting irritated or itchy. You should consult with a physician if you experience severe symptoms. The physician will suggest an effective contact dermatitis home remedy or a treatment option that will assist you in getting relief from this skin rash.
