Doctor's Notes on Contact Dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is a localized rash/irritation of the skin caused by direct contact with the substance to which the patient's immune system reacts (allergic type) or by a skin irritant (irritant type). However, signs and symptoms can appear to be visually identical. A sign of allergic contact dermatitis is a red rash that does not appear for 1-2 days on the skin after exposure (direct contact with the compound) while irritant type occurs more rapidly. The longer time of exposure to the compound, the more severe the skin reaction. The skin may itch and burn. Contact dermatitis usually has more pain than other types of dermatitis, and contact dermatitis frequently involves the hands.
Contact dermatitis (allergic type) is caused by a cellular immune response to small, simple molecules (for example, nickel metal in rings or watch bands). Immune cells produce chemicals that cause itch. Plants such as poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac contain an oil or latex that triggers the dermatitis. Other compounds can include medicines applied to the skin and various cosmetic chemicals.
Contact dermatitis (irritant type) is caused by skin coming in contact with reception that is toxic to your skin. This is not an allergic reaction, it is a toxic reaction. Many chemicals can cause contact dermatitis; frequently encountered chemicals are those in household cleaners like detergents and industrial products such as solvents (for example, turpentine, xylene).
What Are the Treatments for Contact Dermatitis?
The first step in the treatment for contact dermatitis is to attempt to discover what triggers your skin symptoms and signs. This may take some time and may involve skin testing, keeping a diary of possible exposure to trigger substances, and then listing possible items that trigger your symptoms and signs. You then can avoid having your skin touch those items identified as triggers. However, if the above doesn't work to cease most symptoms and signs, your doctor may prescribe the following:
- Topically applied steroids
- Oral corticosteroids
- Antihistamines
- Some patients require antibiotics to treat a bacterial infection.
Your doctor can explain the need for the various prescription medicines.
Atopic Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) : Test Your Skin Disorders IQ Quiz
QuestionEczema (also atopic eczema or atopic dermatitis) is a general medical term for many types of skin inflammation.
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Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac
Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac can causes an allergic reaction when someone comes in contact with the plant's oils. This compound in all three plant species is called urushiol. The resulting rash appears one to three days after contact and may crust or ooze. Home remedies for the rash include applying cool compresses and calamine lotion, soaking in an Aveeno bath, and taking oral antihistamines.
REFERENCE:
Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.