Allergic contact dermatitis

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For skin care we do whatever is within our limit to make the skin look and feel shiny, smooth, and silky that is why we buy lotions and creams or even especially formulated soaps. But when there is something beyond our control of care of our skin, certain skin conditions specially the allergic contact dermatitis would erupt and make our skin dry, itchy, scaly and red. Sometimes the skin may blister, crack or peel after the initial irritation. Contact dermatitis occurs when the skin reacts to direct contact with a triggering substance. There are two main types of contact dermatitis: allergic and irritant. Allergic contact dermatitis indicates an overreaction of the body’s immune system to a normally harmless substance. Common causes of allergic contact dermatitis include:
– Plants e.g. primrose, poison ivy, poison oak etc.
– Metals such as nickel, belt buckles and kitchen utensils.
– Fragrances and preservatives found in cosmetics, soap, lotions, perfumes, deodorants, scented tissues and hair dyes, straighteners and removers.
– Nail polish, nail polish remover and other nail care products.
– Latex rubber used in many items including waistbands, bras, sneakers and shoe soles, rubber gloves, balloons, hot water bottles etc and tanning agents used for leather products.
– Certain medications e.g. antibiotic skin creams

Irritant contact dermatitis occurs when the skin comes in contact with an irritating, harsh substance, accounts for about 80% of all contact dermatitis cases. The longer the substance stays in contact with the skin, the more severe the reaction will be. Common causes of irritant contact dermatitis include:
– Industrial cleaning products
– Solvents, drain cleaners, turpentine, dishwashing and other detergents
– Soaps and household cleaners.

Treatment is aimed at identifying the agent causing the dermatitis and stopping further use of that. For regain the skin affected, different emollients or creams are available to help the skin heal from contact dermatitis. Above all, family physician should be kept in touch to learn about the different kinds of treatments for contact dermatitis and select the best one after discussing the short time and long time results.