This is the condition of the skin that becomes sore, itchy or inflamed after the contact of a certain substance with the skin. Almost all individuals at some point can develop this condition once in their life. Some of the common causes include contact with soaps, jewellery, cosmetics or certain chemicals at work. The rash can occur immediately or over a period of time. This is not a contagious condition but can make an individual feel uncomfortable.
Causes
The dermatitis contact occurs as the result of either the irritation of the skin or as the result of an allergic reaction. This can be caused by one of the thousands of materials that can develop contact dermatitis. The irritant contact dermatitis occurs as the result of damage to the outer part of the skin and can be caused by various materials such as turpentine, fiberglass or other chemical exposure. Some individuals may develop irritation of the skin after the initial exposure while others can take years to react. The allergic contact dermatitis develops as the result of allergic reaction to a certain substance such as fragrance, nail polish, poison ivy and nickel. It can also develop when certain materials enter the body through food or medicine. Some of the common allergens include black henna, nickel, materials in cosmetics or hair dyes, sunscreens and certain medications. Individuals prone to develop occupational dermatitis include beauticians, plumbers, chefs, bartender, nurses and florists.
Symptoms
The symptoms can range from mild to severe and depend on the individual. Some of the common symptoms include swelling, tender skin, stinging, bumps or blisters that can be oozing, itchiness and red or irritated skin. These may develop within a few hours or in 10 days from the initial contact with the allergen material. The severe form of allergic reaction is known as anaphylaxis and can develop within few minutes. The signs of this include breathing difficulty, swollen face or the eyes and confusion. Individuals suffering from the severe allergic reaction usually require immediate medical care.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis is based on the observation of the skin condition and the materials the person had contact with. This helps determine whether the individual has an irritant or allergic type of dermatitis. In order to evaluate the condition, the individual may be required to have a patch test to identify if an allergic reaction is the cause. The test involves introducing a small amount of suspected allergen material to the skin as adhesive patches which will remain for a couple of days to determine whether a reaction occurs which is a positive indication. Additional tests may be required to rule out other possible causes and can include skin lesion biopsy.
Treatment
The initial treatment is focused on treating the irritated skin and to avoid the allergen material in the future. Medications such as antihistamines or ointments may be given to treat the itchy skin and the affected skin. Moisturizers can also help with the healing process by keeping the skin moist. It is important to avoid scratching the affected area to prevent the onset of infection.
References
http://acaai.org/allergies/types/skin-allergies/contact-dermatitis
https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/eczema/contact-dermatitis#treatment
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/contact-dermatitis/basics/complications/con-20032048
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000869.htm
