Contact dermatitis is a common skin condition that occurs when the skin comes into contact with certain substances, resulting in irritation or inflammation. It can be uncomfortable and even painful, but with proper identification and management, you can find relief.
Identifying Contact Dermatitis
There are two main types of contact dermatitis:
- Irritant contact dermatitis. Irritant contact dermatitis occurs when the skin comes into direct contact with a substance that damages the outer layer of the skin. Common irritants include cleaning products, body fluids, hair dyes, nail polish remover, soaps and detergents, resins and acids.
- Allergic contact dermatitis. Allergic contact dermatitis develops when the immune system reacts to a specific substance it is allergic to. Common allergens include plants like poison ivy, skincare or beauty products with fragrances, certain metals, medications, preservatives and chemicals.
When you have physical contact with an allergen or irritant, your white blood cells respond, causing skin swelling, inflammation and an itchy rash. With irritant contact dermatitis, the rash will likely appear in minutes after exposure. With allergic contact dermatitis, it may take hours or days after exposure to see a reaction.
Treating Contact Dermatitis
Treatment options for contact dermatitis are the same for both irritant and allergic types. Your allergy experts may recommend one or more of the following treatment options:
- Identify and avoid triggers. The first step in managing contact dermatitis is identifying the substances or materials that trigger the reaction. Try keeping a journal to track dermatitis outbreaks to help you identify your triggers. Depending on your triggers, you may need to swap beauty or cleaning products, avoid certain plants or make other necessary changes.
- Medication. Medications may include over-the-counter topical or oral antihistamines, anti-itch creams, corticosteroid creams or oral steroids. Medications are generally used to relieve swelling and itching.
- Apply a cool compress. Wrap a wet, cool cloth over your rash for 15 to 30 minutes a few times daily to help relieve itching and inflammation.
- Take a bath. Soak in a cool bath with an oatmeal-based bath product to help calm your rash. Apply an unscented lotion to the affected area immediately following the bath.
With effective trigger avoidance and symptom management, contact dermatitis doesn’t need to take over your life. For more information about treating your contact dermatitis, call the experts at Midwest Allergy & Asthma today.