Contact Dermatitis

What is Contact Dermatitis?

Allergic contact dermatitis is caused by your body’s reaction to something that directly contacts the skin. Many different substances can cause allergic contact dermatitis, which are called ‘allergens’. Usually, these substances cause no trouble for most people, and may not even be noticed the first time the person is exposed.

Once the skin becomes sensitive or allergic to the substance, any exposure will produce a rash. The rash usually doesn’t start until a day or two later, but can start as soon as hours or as late as a week. Don’t hesitate to contact the medical team at Aura Dermatology to evaluate the severity of your contact dermatitis and treat it properly.

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Symptoms and Treatment

The dermatitis usually shows redness, swelling and water blisters, from tiny to large. The blisters may break, forming crusts and scales. Untreated, the skin may darken and become leathery and cracked. Allergic contact dermatitis can be difficult to distinguish from other rashes, especially after it been present for a while.

When a rash does not clear within a few weeks, you should see a dermatologist. When contact dermatitis develops, treatment is important. It can prevent the contact dermatitis from worsening and help your skin heal.

The dermatologist and patient will discuss the materials that touch the person’s skin at work and home, and try to identify the allergen. The dermatologist may also perform patch tests. Patch testing is a safe and quick way to diagnose contact allergies. A small amount of the suspected allergen is applied to the skin for a fixed time, usually two days. Some things like nickel, rubber, dyes, and poison ivy, poison oak and related plants are fairly common allergens.

Adapted from original source: AOCD & AAD

Frequently Asked Questions – Contact Dermatitis

What are the types of Contact Dermatitis?
- Irritant contact dermatitis occurs in response to irritating substances such as household cleaners, harsh soaps and industrial solvents. Your skin can react to these substances within minutes or hours.
- Allergic contact dermatitis occurs when a person’s immune system responds to contact with something you are allergic to, such as fragrances, preservatives, nickel, and many others. Allergic reactions typically develop anywhere between a day to a couple of weeks after exposure and may take several weeks to heal.
How is Contact Dermatitis diagnosed?

Contact dermatitis should be considered in new cases of eczema, when there are changes in chronic cases of eczema such as in location, severity, or appearance, and whenever eczema isn’t responding to treatment. It may be particularly difficult to identify contact dermatitis in people with atopic dermatitis. Your health care provider may diagnose you with irritant or allergic contact dermatitis based on evaluation of your medical history, exposures, and symptoms, and with a procedure called patch testing.
What is Patch Testing?

Patch testing is a procedure where allergens are placed on your back for 2 days, then removed. After removal, your back is examined for any reactions. Around two days after removing the patches, you will return to the office again for your second reading. At this time, your provider will determine if it is necessary to perform additional readings after your second reading.

Note that patch testing is not the same as prick testing, which is a different allergy test that is used to diagnose other kinds of allergies, such as hay fever, and is not helpful in diagnosing allergic contact dermatitis.
How is Contact Dermatitis treated?
Treatment of both irritant and allergic contact dermatitis is based on avoiding contact with the substance(s) that caused the reaction.

Your dermatologist may prescribe medications.

Examples include:
- Steroid creams or ointments. These topically applied creams or ointments help soothe the rash of contact dermatitis. A topical steroid may be applied one or two times a day for two to four weeks.
- Oral medications. In severe cases, your doctor may prescribe oral corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, antihistamines to relieve itching or antibiotics to fight a bacterial infection.

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