Rid Yourself of Contact Dermatitis Today!
What is Contact Dermatitis?
Contact dermatitis is a skin disease that causes swelling, itching, and irritation in the skin. When you touch something you are allergic to or come into contact with allergens that exacerbate your immune system, you can develop an allergic reaction. This includes plants, food, animals, dust mites, or chemicals that can be found in cosmetics and toiletries.
How Common is it?
The incidence of contact dermatitis is high. Up to 30% of people who get skin rashes after exposure to certain substances develop some kind of contact dermatitis. Contact dermatitis is the most common immune-mediated skin disorder in the United States. About 2% of children and 1% of adults have contact dermatitis each year. It can appear on any part of the body but most commonly on hands, feet, and the upper trunk, especially in children.
Types of Contact Dermatitis?
There are three main types: irritant, allergic, and photo-allergic.
Irritant Contact Dermatitis
Irritant contact dermatitis causes dry, scaly red skin. It is the most common type of contact dermatitis. This type is caused by substances that irritate your skin, such as soaps, detergents, solvents, or acidic substances like vinegar. The irritants damage the upper layer of your skin’s surface and cause inflammation and swelling.
Allergic Contact Dermatitis
Allergic contact dermatitis occurs when the skin is affected by substances that cause allergic reactions, resulting in itching and swelling. You can get allergic contact dermatitis from foods or plants. Examples include poison ivy and poison oak. However, you may also develop this rash from cosmetics or toiletries if you are allergic to their ingredients.
Photo-allergic Contact Dermatitis
Photo-allergic contact dermatitis occurs when the skin is exposed to a substance and then exposed to direct sunlight (for example, gardening or working in your yard and then going outside). The sunlight causes a photo-allergic reaction and can cause red, itchy, blistery skin or small hives. During the summertime, adding a slice of lime to your drink or lime juice can cause this condition. Doctors often refer to it as “margarita dermatitis”.
What Are The Signs and Symptoms?
The signs of contact dermatitis are itching, red skin rash, and blisters. It can occur on the face or body but most commonly on the hands, feet, or upper trunk.
How is Contact Dermatitis Managed or Treated?
To treat contact dermatitis, remove the substance you are allergic to and stop using moisturizers or lotions that may cause the symptoms. If the allergen is a particular type of plant, it may be possible to avoid the area where it grows by avoiding outdoor work or sports. The signs of contact dermatitis usually go away within 1-2 weeks if you avoid exposure to the allergen. Various creams, ointments, and prescription medications can also be used to treat contact dermatitis. To help prevent skin reactions from occurring again, wear protective clothing when working with substances that may cause a reaction.
Complications
If you have a severe case of contact dermatitis, you may experience complications such as fever, chills, fatigue, and weight loss. If the allergen you are allergic to is a plant, you may have an allergic reaction when you eat it or come into contact with it again in the future.
Contact Dermatitis Treatment in Ashland, Kentucky
If you have tried everything, and nothing seems to be working, we are here to help you.
We can help you figure out what’s causing your dermatitis and which therapies are best for you at Azalea Health & Skin Treatment Center.
Dr. Basedow’s expert knowledge, training, experience allows him to effectively treat dermatitis using various treatments and therapies. He will thoroughly evaluate your skin condition and provide you with a detailed treatment plan.
Dr. Basedow is now accepting patients from the following cities: Greenup, Worthington, Hamilton, Russell, Raceland, Wurtland, Bellefonte, Iron Ville, Flatwoods, Ironton, Coal Grove, Westwood, Perry, Catlettsburg, South Point, Ceredo, Fayette, Canonsburg, Union, and Huntington.
If you’re having trouble managing your contact dermatitis, call us today at 606-467-2360 and we will be happy to assist you!
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