What is contact dermatitis?
Contact dermatitis and contact eczema mean the same thing. Contact dermatitis describes inflammation that is caused by direct skin contact with something in your environment.
What causes contact dermatitis?
There are two main types of contact dermatitis:
– Irritant contact dermatitis-This is caused by contact with a substance that irritates the skin. It is more common in hands. And the common irritant substances are detergents and solvents. The detergents strip the skin surface of its natural oils. Contact irritant Dermatitis develops when there is regular or prolonged contact with these irritating substances.
The most important factors in causing this type of contact dermatitis are the amount and the concentration of the irritating substance touching the skin.
It is prevalent in people who have their hands in water a lot, such as nurses, hairdressers, bartenders, cooks, and cleaners. People in these occupations often develop hand dermatitis. Anyone can build contact dermatitis on hands by contacting an irritant while handling irritating substances or with frequent hand washing.
– Allergic contact dermatitis occurs when allergy develops to a specific chemical or substance that has been in contact with the skin.
Examples of these substances include metals such as nickel, rubber, chemicals in hair dye and perfumes, or preservatives in creams and cosmetics.
It is not known why some people develop an allergy to these substances while others do not.
Less commonly, substances in fruits and vegetables can cause an immediate allergic reaction when touched. This reaction leads to itchy skin swellings known as contact urticaria (hives). It can lead to a flare of pre-existing dermatitis (eczema).
Contact dermatitis is not infectious and cannot be caught from or spread to other people.
Is contact dermatitis hereditary?
People with a tendency to asthma, eczema, and hay fever develop irritant contact dermatitis more frequently than others without these conditions. The tendency to these conditions runs in families.
What are the symptoms of contact dermatitis?
Itching of the skin is the most typical symptom and can be intense. Sometimes the skin becomes sore and red with the development of small blisters or painful cracks (fissures).
How does contact dermatitis look like?
The hands are the most common area where contact dermatitis develops, followed by the arms, neck, and face. After contact with the irritant or allergenic substance, the skin becomes red, dry, and flaky. Occasionally weeping and blistering may develop.
How will it be diagnosed?
- Irritant contact dermatitis is diagnosed by the history of exposure to irritating substances and from the appearance of the rash.
- Allergic contact dermatitis is diagnosed by its clinical presentation and a few diagnostic test such as a patch test.
Can contact dermatitis be cured?
Avoidance of skin contact with irritants or allergens will prevent the development of contact dermatitis. Sometimes this may entail the need for a change in occupation, e.g., if a hairdresser is allergic to hair dyes.
How can contact dermatitis be treated?
The primary way of managing contact dermatitis is to identify the cause and remove the source of the irritant chemical or allergen from contact with the skin. Complete avoidance is not always easy.
Therefore, measures to protect the skin, such as wearing gloves, improving the skin barrier with regular emollient creams, and avoiding contact with soaps and detergents (see separate leaflet on Hand dermatitis), are essential.
Exposure to irritants or allergens in certain occupations may be the cause and may lead to the need for a change of working practice or job. It may take several months for contact dermatitis to settle.
Steroid creams and moisturizers are used to reduce the inflammation of the skin. Topical steroid creams (Topical Corticosteroids) come in different strengths. It is crucial that you use the right strength for the proper length of time. Your doctor or nurse can advise you on this.
It is also imperative to protect your skin by using emollient several times a day. Thick emollients are best for the hands. It is vital that you find one you tolerate well and that you can use it regularly. People with very severe contact dermatitis may need oral (by mouth) medication such as steroid tablets and oral antibiotics.
What can I do?
- If you think you might have contact dermatitis, you should think about measures to protect your skin, such as wearing gloves and avoiding skin contact with soaps and detergents
- Improve your skin barrier by applying non-perfumed emollient creams (moisturizers) several times a day.
- You should avoid the chemicals or substances which are causing your irritant or allergic reaction.
- Take time to look after your skin both at home and at work, and follow your doctor’s advice on using the various creams and treatments.