Contact Dermatitis

Have you ever come across using a new type of beauty care product or washing detergent, only to have your skin red and irritated? If your answer is yes - you may have experienced Contact Dermatitis. When your skin gets red and tender after you’ve touched something could be caused by an allergy, or because the protective layer of your skin got damaged. Most Contact Dermatitis reactions aren’t severe, but they can be unpleasant until the itching goes away. Causes: According to American Academy of Dermatology Association, It is caused by a substance you’re exposed to that irritates your skin or triggers an allergic reaction. Some of these substances may cause Irritant Contact Dermatitis and Allergic Contact Dermatitis. While irritant contact dermatitis is the most common type, given below are some of the few Irritants:

Solvents
Rubbing alcohol
Bleach and detergents
Shampoos, permanent wave solutions
Airborne substances, such as sawdust or wool dust
Plants
Fertilizers and pesticides

The allergic contact dermatitis occurs only when a substance to which one is sensitive - triggers an immune reaction to their skin. It may also be triggered by something that enters your body through food or medicine. Following are the few common allergens:

Nickel, which is used in jewelry
Medications, such as antibiotic creams and oral antihistamines
Formaldehyde, which is in preservatives, disinfectants and clothing
Personal care products
Urushiol, a highly allergenic substance found in plants
Airborne substances, such as ragweed pollen and spray insecticides
Sunscreen Lotions

Symptoms: While these symptoms could either be mild or severe, and they can appear anywhere from a few hours to 10 days after coming into contact with the irritant or allergen. A contact dermatitis rash is a non-communicable disease and does not spread to anyone else. If you’re of that opinion that, you have come in contact with an allergen or irritant, wash the affected area with soap and water immediately. Symptoms of contact dermatitis include:

Red, irritated skin
Itching
Swelling
Bumps or blisters, sometimes filled with clear fluid
Hot or tender skin

Treatment: The best treatment for contact dermatitis is avoidance of the said substances which you’re sensitive towards. Given below are a few of the self-care approaches to reduce the itching