Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin caused by direct contact with an allergen or any irritant. Mild irritants can be soap, saliva, sweat, urine and at times even water. Allergens include materials to build homes, deodorants, ointments, clothing, jewellery. It can also occur when treatment for another skin disorder causes an irritation.

Adults are affected by contact dermatitis more than young children or the elderly.

Types of contact dermatitis:

There are two types of contact dermatitis - irritant and allergic.

Irritant contact dermatitis - This is caused by direct contact with a substance which irritates the skin. Common irritants include detergents, soaps, bleach, certain cosmetics (chemicals in them), solvents such as petrol etc.

Allergic contact dermatitis - This occurs when the immune system reacts against a specific substance called an 'allergen'. The allergen has sensitised the body’s immune system, and thus the skin reacts and becomes inflamed when it comes into further contact. It is not clear why some people become allergic to some substances, while some do not. Common allergens include perfumes, food colours, certain metals etc.

Symptoms of contact dermatitis:-

• Immediate symptom is red rashes which itch
• Skin redness and inflammation
• Localized swelling, the area may even become hot
• Pimple like pustules, blisters which may ooze and become scaly.

Contact dermatitis is common in young adults and elderly people. Women are more vulnerable as compared to men.

Causes:-

• Contact dermatitis is caused by a reaction of the immune system. There is a reaction to some material which has touched the skin at that site and therefore, triggered the skin to flare up. A hypersensitive reaction to a foreign substance is the cause of contact dermatitis.
• The longer the substance in contact with skin, the more severe is the reaction.
• People with other skin disorders such as eczema are easily prone to contact dermatitis.
• Some possible common irritants are household cleaners, cosmetics, medications, rubber, metals, food products…….it can be just anything. The irritants differ from person to person.
• Certain medications - Neomycin, which is found in antibiotic creams, is the most common cause of medication causing contact dermatitis. Penicillin, sulfur drugs, and local anaesthetics are other possible causes.
• The fragrance in soaps, shampoos, lotions, perfumes, and cosmetics can also cause an allergic dermatitis reaction.

Treatment:-

In most cases, contact dermatitis does not require any medication.

• You just have to avoid the causative irritating agent to gradually improve the situation.
• Initial treatment includes carefully washing the area with a mild soap or cleanser to remove any traces of the irritant or allergen.
• Avoid scratching the infected area.
• Avoid further contact with the irritating substance.
• If blisters develop, you can apply wet cool compresses to provide relief. This can be repeated number of times as required. It soothes the skin and gives immediate relief.
• Application of calamine lotion also soothes and provides relief.
• Do not apply antihistamine lotions to the skin, because you may have an allergic contact dermatitis from the lotion itself
• If circumstances risk exposure to the irritant, wear gloves or other protective clothing. Basically, you have to avoid contact with the irritant.
• Redness usually disappears within a week. Blisters may ooze, become scaly, but will dry and eventually fall off.

If itching continues and redness does not disappear, consult a doctor.

• He may prescribe topical or oral drugs to relieve itching. Over the counter anti allergen creams and drugs are also available, but they should be taken only on prescription to avoid further complications.

Contact dermatitis usually clears up without complications within 2 or 3 weeks but may recur if the causal agent cannot be identified or avoided.

• Change of occupation or occupational habits may be necessary if the disorder is caused by occupational exposure.

Can contact dermatitis be prevented?

The best preventive treatment is to identify and avoid the substance that may have triggered the allergic reaction. If you cannot avoid the trigger altogether, take steps to protect your skin from the trigger.

• Wear protective clothing such as long sleeves, long pants, and gloves to help protect the skin against allergens and irritants.
• Take proper hand care. Use lots of moisturising cream, and apply it frequently. This helps to keep the skin on your hands supple and also prevent chapping.
• Use a barrier cream to help protect the skin on the hands when working. Use a mild skin cleanser rather than soap to clean hands.

Contact dermatitis is not contagious as the name says. It is very easily curable at home. If you are unable to find out the irritant factor, go for an allergy testing to find out the exact cause and cure yourself. You just have to be careful about this disease or else complications in the form of secondary bacterial infections may occur.