Contact dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin as a result of coming into contact with an irritating substance. But this contact doesn't necessarily cause an immediate reaction. It may take a number of exposures for the skin to become inflamed, making it somewhat difficult to prevent a flare-up.
Contact Dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is essentially a skin irritation due to the repeated contact with an irritant, such as soaps, detergents and cleaning products. It may also result from an allergic reaction to an allergen, advises the Mayo Clinic. Common allergens include metals, polymers, medications and other chemicals. Regardless of whether an irritant or an allergen has caused a flare-up, the first line of treatment is to identify what is actually causing the reaction. Sometimes, it may be a product used on the skin.
Skin Care
It isn't uncommon for someone suffering from contact dermatitis to experience an allergic reaction or skin irritation to skin care products. The American Academy of Dermatology explains that people with this condition are sensitive to fragrances or preservatives found in many lotions and moisturizers. This may be one of the reasons why some individuals turn to organic lotions to help protect the skin.
Misconceptions
Just because something is labeled as organic, it doesn't necessarily mean it won't cause a skin reaction. Even organic lotions can contain fragrances and preservatives. In fact, the American Academy of Dermatology cautions that unscented lotions could contain what is known as a "masking fragrance," which may cause a skin irritation in people sensitive to fragrances. The academy further warns that few lotions are actually free of preservatives, since they're often needed to keep the natural ingredients from going bad or spoiling.
Self-Care
When someone decides to use an organic lotion while suffering from contact dermatitis, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends testing the product on a small area of the skin before applying it over the entire body. It may take anywhere between 24 and 48 hours for the skin to react to the substance, advises the National Institutes of Health.
Skin Reaction
According to the Mayo Clinic, if the product is an allergen or an irritant, the skin reacts with inflammation, redness and itching in the area of exposure. These symptoms are also accompanied by red bumps, blistering and even pain. It may be necessary to treat the area with a medicated cream, such as hydrocortisone or calamine. An oral antibiotic or antihistamine can also be used to reduce inflammation and itching.
