A rash caused by direct contact with a substance or an allergic reaction to it is called contact dermatitis. This condition is not contagious but can be very uncomfortable because one of the primary symptoms is intense itching.
There are a lot of substances that may cause this reaction. These include fragrances, cosmetics, jewelry, plants, and others. In most cases, the rash appears within several days after exposure to allergens.
Physicians usually treat this condition successfully, but anyway, you should find and avoid what causes the allergic reaction. People with contact dermatitis usually notice that the rash disappears within 2-4 weeks when avoiding the substance that causes it. For those who suffer from this skin condition, it is recommended to soothe the skin using a cold and wet cloth and other self-care products.
Symptoms
This dermatitis type appears on the skin shortly after being exposed to the substance that causes it. While it appears within a few minutes, it may last up to one month. Check below some symptoms that usually appear in people with contact dermatitis:
- Cracked, dry, and scaly skin
- Blisters and bumps (in some cases with oozing and crusting)
- Burning, swelling, or tenderness
- Intense itching
- Leathery patches that are hyperpigmented (darker than usual), this symptom often appears on brown and Black skin
It is advised to see a healthcare provider if any of the following symptoms occur. For example:
- Worries about how the rash looks
- The rash affects the mouth, face, eyes, or genitals
- The symptoms do not improve within 3 weeks
- Severe rash
Seek emergency care if you suspect the skin is infected, experience breathing problems, fever, or have eyes or nasal passages that hurt when inhaling smoke from burning poison.
Causes
Generally, this dermatitis type occurs due to exposure to certain substances that cause irritation to the skin or triggers an allergic reaction. However, there are known thousands of substances that may cause this condition. Commonly, people experience irritation along with an allergic reaction.
The most common type is irritant contact dermatitis. It is a non-allergic skin reaction and happens when substances cause damage to the outer skin layer.
Sometimes, people react regularly to certain strong irritants even after a single exposure. Other people may develop a rash after multiple exposures to mild irritants such as soap or water. In rare cases, people may develop a tolerance to the substances that previously irritate the skin. Check below the most common irritants:
- Rubber gloves
- Solvents
- Bleach and detergents
- Soap
- Hair products
- Airborne substance
- Plants
- Fertilizers and pesticides
Other Causes
Allergic contact dermatitis is the second type of the condition, and it happens less commonly. It appears when a substance to which you are sensitive triggers an immune system reaction. In most cases, it negatively affects the skin area that comes in direct contact with the allergen. However, some people may develop it due to something that enters the body through flavorings, medications, dental or medical procedures (also called systemic contact dermatitis), foods, and other sources.
This contact dermatitis type usually occurs when you are in contact with these substances for years. Thereafter, even a small amount of allergen may cause a reaction. Check below the most common allergens:
- Nickel (this is used in jewelry, buckles, and others)
- Certain medicines (such as antibiotic creams)
- Balsam of Peru (it is used in multiple products, including perfumes, toothpaste, mouth rinses, flavorings, and others)
- Formaldehyde (this is a preservative used often in cosmetics, but it can be used in other products as well)
- Personal care products (including body washes, hair dyes, cosmetics, and others)
- Plants (such as poison ivy, mango, and others)
- Airborne allergens (including ragweed pollen, spray insecticides, and others)
- Certain products cause an allergic reaction when you are exposed to the sun (it is called photoallergic contact dermatitis). These include sunscreens and cosmetics.
Children also may develop this dermatitis type. It usually happens due to exposure to diapers, baby wipes, and jewelry.
Risk Factors
Healthcare professionals identified some factors that could elevate your risk of developing contact dermatitis. Check below some jobs and hobbies that may increase your risk:
- Cleaners
- Agricultural and construction workers
- Cooks and those who work with food
- Florists
- Hair stylists and cosmetologists
- Machinists and mechanics
- Healthcare workers (such as dental workers)
- Scuba divers or swimmers
Complications
Multiple scratches to the affected area may lead to infections. When you scratch the skin area that is affected, it may become wet and oozing, which allows the bacteria and fungi to grow and cause an infection.
How to Prevent Contact Dermatitis?
Check below some tips that may help prevent this type of dermatitis:
- Try to find and avoid irritants and allergens – In addition, you can use jewelry produced from hypoallergenic material, including surgical steel or gold.
- Regularly wash your skin – use a mild and fragrance-free soap and warm water to clean the skin from substances that may irritate or cause an allergic reaction.
- Wear protective clothing – These include gloves, face masks, goggles, and others.
- Use a barrier gel or cream – These products may protect you from exposure to irritants or allergens. You can use over-the-counter (OTC) Bentoquatam.
- Moisturizers – It is recommended to apply regularly moisturizing lotions. These lotions help restore the outer layer of the skin.
Diagnosis
Physicians may diagnose this condition based on your symptoms and medical history. They also may ask some questions to help determine the exact cause of the condition. When it is not clear what causes the condition, doctors may perform a skin examination.
To determine the cause of contact dermatitis, they recommend a patch test. During this test, small amounts of potential allergens and irritants are put on sticky patches and then on your skin. These patches usually stay on the skin for a few days. Therefore, if doctors identify skin reactions under the patches, it may help determine the exact irritant or allergen that causes the disease.
A patch test is effective for people who experience a rash for no obvious reason or who experience it frequently.
Treatment
Healthcare professionals may recommend some medicines if self-care and nonprescription medicines do not lessen the symptoms. For example:
- Steroid creams or ointments – These medicines are applied to the skin to soothe the rash. Discuss with your doctor about how long you should use these medications. They usually prescribe Clobetasol 0.05% or Triamcinolone 0.1%.
- Other medicines – If you experience a severe form of contact dermatitis, doctors may prescribe some oral medicines to decrease swelling and reduce severe itching.
Home Remedies
The following remedies may help reduce itching and swelling caused by the disease. For example:
- Use anti-itch creams, ointments, or medicines – These include Hydrocortisone cream or ointment and oral antihistamines (including Diphenhydramine).
- Trim your nails regularly and avoid scratching.
- You can apply cool and wet compresses for 15 to 30 minutes daily to ease the symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get rid of contact dermatitis?
There are multiple options to treat this condition. It is advised to find and avoid irritants and allergens that cause the disease, wash the affected area, apply cool and wet compresses, and use moisturizers. In severe cases, you can consider topical or oral medications. Never use any medicine without a doctor’s approval because it may worsen the symptoms or cause other unpleasant effects.
What triggers allergic contact dermatitis?
The most common allergens include cosmetic ingredients (such as preservatives, fragrances, hair dye, and nail varnish hardeners) and metals, including nickel and cobalt often used in jewelry.
What can be mistaken for contact dermatitis?
There are multiple skin conditions that can be mistaken for contact dermatitis. Check below some examples:
- Rosacea
- Eczema (also called atopic dermatitis)
- Psoriasis
- Dermatitis (such as seborrheic dermatitis that causes similar symptoms to contact dermatitis)
This article does not contain a complete list of conditions that can be mistaken for contact dermatitis. If you have additional questions, ask your healthcare provider.
