contact dermatitis, its signs and treating contact dermatitis patients
A physical reaction of the skin to some allergens or elements that potentially create allergies or reactions is contact dermatitis.
There are practically four types of contact dermatitis that are normally treated by doctors and dermatologists. These are irritant contact dermatitis (ICD), allergic contact dermatitis (ACD), photo contact dermatitis (PCD), and contact urticaria.
Factors causing contact dermatitis
The onset of contact dermatitis can be attributed to different allergens or allergy-causing elements. But such skin infection in reports shows several reasons that create the reaction.
Soaps and perfumes are the most common medium of contact dermatitis allergens. The reason behind is that the use of such elements is somehow unavoidable that creates the problem difficult to contain.
Your skin’s reaction to drool, detergents, different allergy-causing foods and to lotions containing harsh ingredients can also cause contact dermatitis.
Contact dermatitis is also caused by about 3,000 chemicals that include those based on common metals like mercury, chrome and nickel.
Cosmetics can also affect your skin and result in the manifestation of contact dermatitis in your skin. The recognized cosmetic lines that can be the reason of such skin infection include nail polishes, sunscreens, clothing dyes, lipstick, eye shadows, and permanent hair dyes.
Symptoms of contact dermatitis
Various signs are seen to the onset of contact dermatitis. But, the symptoms can also vary for different individuals. Further consultation and check-up should be done by a dermatologist for a confirmed diagnosis.
A slight redness or swelling in the skin indicates the occurrence of contact dermatitis. The visibility of the reaction should not be mistaken with common insect bites.
Itching as well as blistering in the infected area also occurs. When there is a temporary inflammation or scaling in the infected spot, it is obviously contact dermatitis.
Prevention and cure
For the treatment of contact dermatitis the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology suggests people having skin infection to do the following simple but effective remedies.
- Wash the affected area very well with soap and ample water. Do this immediately at the initial visibility of the symptoms.
- Reject or carefully wash all clothing and articles that have come in contact with plants or chemicals containing contact dermatitis allergens.
- Comfort the itching or the affected part with a cold compress. This is a must to do if the blisters rupture.
- In case the symptoms appear to be severe, immediately consult a dermatologist or physician.
- If the signs of infection become severe consult a physician or a dermatologist.
The skin infections are rapidly controlled and the discomfort can be relieved by lukewarm water showers.
To prevent the occurrence of contact dermatitis, ideally stay away from all the probable allergens.
Next>>Know all about allergic rhinitis