What Is Contact Dermatitis? (original) (raw)
Contact dermatitis is a skin condition that develops as a reaction to an external substance. It’s usually not serious but can be uncomfortable. Treatment will depend on the underlying cause.
Contact dermatitis occurs when the skin comes into contact with irritants or allergens, such as skin care products.
Keep reading to learn more about the causes, symptoms, and treatments for contact dermatitis.
Experts classify contact dermatitis as either allergic or irritant.
Allergic contact dermatitis
Allergic contact dermatitis occurs when your skin develops an allergic reaction after exposure to a foreign substance. This causes your body to release inflammatory chemicals that can make your skin feel itchy and irritated.
According to the AAD, there are more than 15,000 possible allergens. The most common include:
- nickel, such as in jewelry or watches (including Apple watch products)
- latex
- perfumes or chemicals in cosmetics and skin care products
- urushiol, which is present in the sap of poison oak, poison ivy, and poison sumac
- Balsam of Peru, which is in some foods and skin care products
A 2023 article suggests allergic contact dermatitis may affect up to 1 in 5 children.
Irritant contact dermatitis
Irritant contact dermatitis accounts for 8 out of 10 cases of contact dermatitis, according to the National Eczema Association (NEA). It happens when your skin comes in contact with a toxic material.
Toxic substances that may cause irritant contact dermatitis include:
- battery acid
- bleach
- chlorinated water, such as in pools
- drain cleaners
- kerosene
- detergents
Irritant contact dermatitis can also occur when your skin frequently comes in contact with less irritating materials like soap. For example, people who frequently wash their hands, such as hairdressers, bartenders, and healthcare workers, often experience irritant contact dermatitis on their hands.
Contact dermatitis symptoms may depend on the cause and how sensitive you are to the substance.
Common symptoms associated with contact dermatitis may include:
- dry, scaly, flaky skin
- a bumpy, itchy rash
- oozing blisters
- hives
- skin that burns or stings
- skin that feels stiff or tight
- sun sensitivity
- swelling, tenderness, or hot skin
Another common symptom is skin discoloration. Light skin may turn red, while dark skin may turn purple, dark brown, or gray.
Symptoms of allergic contact dermatitis typically take 1 to 3 days to appear. However, you need exposure to a certain allergen at least once before developing allergic contact dermatitis, which is when you become sensitized to it.
Irritant contact dermatitis usually causes symptoms within minutes and doesn’t require prior exposure to manifest.
According to the AAD, the best treatment for contact dermatitis is to avoid the trigger or irritant. However, this is not always possible.
Some ways to help improve your symptoms at home may include:
- applying emollients to the area to help protect and moisturize
- avoiding scratching the irritated skin to prevent a skin infection
- using mild soap and lukewarm water to clean your skin
- using anti-itch treatments like calamine lotion
- taking an antihistamine drug to help relieve itching and reduce your allergic response
A doctor may also prescribe a stronger steroid cream if home treatments don’t soothe your skin. However, these are only short-term treatments because they may cause side effects.
It can take as long as 2 to 4 weeks for allergic contact dermatitis to go away. Irritant contact dermatitis usually improves more quickly.
Most times, contact dermatitis isn’t a cause for concern. But get medical attention if your rash:
- is close to your eyes or mouth
- covers a large area of your body
- doesn’t improve with home treatment
Contact a doctor if your symptoms are severe or don’t improve with time. A doctor can usually diagnose contact dermatitis by visually examining your skin.
They may also ask you questions about your symptoms, such as:
- When did you first notice your symptoms?
- What makes your symptoms better or worse?
- Did you go hiking just before the rash started?
- What products do you use on your skin every day?
- What chemicals do you come in contact with on a daily basis?
- What do you do for a living?
Anyone can experience contact dermatitis, but some people may be at greater risk. Your risk is higher if you work in an occupation with frequent exposure to allergens or irritants.
Other risk factors include:
- skin with less pigment
- red hair
- wearing fragrances or jewelry
- a history of atopic dermatitis (eczema)
Avoiding initial exposure to irritants can help prevent contact dermatitis. Try these tips:
- Purchase products labeled “hypoallergenic” or “unscented.”
- Refrain from wearing latex gloves if you have a latex allergy. Opt for vinyl gloves instead.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants when hiking in the wilderness.
- If you notice irritation from a new product, stop using it immediately.
If you know you have sensitive skin, do a spot test with any new products. Apply the new product to a small place on your forearm or thigh. Cover the area, and don’t expose it to water or soap.
After 24 hours of application, check for any reactions. If there is any discoloration or irritation, don’t use the product.
How do you clear up contact dermatitis?
Moisturizing ointments applied to the skin may help relieve itchy, dry, and scaly skin associated with contact dermatitis. These ointments can also provide a protective layer and help reduce water loss.
A doctor may also prescribe a topical corticosteroid cream, depending on the severity of your dermatitis.
What can be mistaken for contact dermatitis?
Can contact dermatitis go away on its own?
Contact dermatitis will usually go away on its own when you avoid the irritant or allergen, but symptoms can still be uncomfortable.
Is contact dermatitis contagious?
The rash from contact dermatitis isn’t transmissible. However, it’s possible to pass traces of the allergen or irritant to someone else, and they might develop a rash if they have a similar reaction. People vary in their reactions to these substances.
Contact dermatitis occurs when your skin reacts to an allergen or irritant. It usually goes away on its own, but symptoms can be bothersome.
You can manage most cases of contact dermatitis with over-the-counter treatments and by avoiding the allergen or irritant causing your symptoms. More severe cases, or if your rash develops an infection, may require a doctor’s help.
An allergist or dermatologist can help you understand how your skin reacts to certain substances and provide guidance on how best to avoid symptoms.