1. A Most Irritating Problem
Contact dermatitis is one of a few types of dermatitis. It is a skin inflammation or irritation that results when you come into contact with a substance that causes a rash-like reaction on the skin. The three types of contact dermatitis are allergic, irritant and photocontact (divided into two parts: photoallergic and phototoxic). Irritant contact dermatitis is caused by direct contact with a chemical substance that is a known skin irritant. Allergic contact dermatitis is the result of exposure to a chemical that only certain people have an allergic reaction to.
2. You Can Look But You Better Not Touch
There is a proverbial laundry list of substances that can cause either irritant or allergic contact dermatitis. Direct contact with poison oak, poison ivy or poison sumac will trigger this condition. Approximately 3,000 chemical agents including nickel (found in, among other things, jewelry, belt buckles and zippers), mercury and chrome can be skin irritants to some people. Some types of cosmetics, medications, soaps, laundry detergents, lotions and perfumes can cause an allergic reaction as well.
3. When Skin Goes Bad
Contact dermatitis is not a shy condition. It makes itself known by producing a red itchy rash in the area where contact with the offensive substance was made. In some cases, this rash may not develop until up to 72 hours after exposure. The rash might be in the form of hives, where the skin is raised and irritated. There will be at least mild swelling of the skin. Besides feeling itchy, your skin may also have a burning sensation. In the most severe cases, blisters can form, as can scales when repeated itching has lead to dry, thickened skin.
4. Making Some Rash Decisions
Most of the time, removal of the substance that caused the dermatitis will stop progress of the condition. You can treat the skin irritation with self-care. Cold moist compresses for 30 minutes three times per day will soothe the itching and burning. Oatmeal baths and hydrocortisone creams will also provide relief. Antihistamines like Benadryl can be used to treat itchiness, though it is not recommended to use lotion-type antihistamines in case you have a reaction to them.
5. Calling In the Pros
In severe cases, you will likely need to seek medical attention. Topical treatment like corticosteroid cream or ointment, more potent than over-the-counter hydrocortisone creams, may be needed to rid your skin of the rash. Prescription-strength antihistamines will also be used. In cases where the rash has spread over large areas of the body, oral or injectable corticosteroids are often prescribed. Usually, contact dermatitis will clear up in four weeks or less.
