Contact Dermatitis- Symptoms, Causes, Treatment and Home Remedies

What is Contact Dermatitis?

Contact Dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin caused by the exposure to the allergens or irritants resulting into painful, red, flaky skin, sometimes with cracks or tiny blisters. The allergens can include metal, poison ivy, lanolin, etc and the irritants can include soaps, detergents, chemical solvents,etc. The female-to-male affecting ratio is 2:1. Contact dermatitis is very dangerous for women during childbirth. It is most common at adult age but can happen at any age.

Contact dermatitis is of two types : irritant contact dermatitis, and allergic contact dermatitis.

Causes of Contact Dermatitis

• Abnormal functioning of immune system due to foreign substances such as animal or vegetable proteins, called hypersensitivity reaction.
• Accumulation of antibody called immunoglobulin E or IgE on mast cells.
• Release of chemicals and hormones called mediators such as histamine due to the reaction of allergen and antibodies.
• Skin reactions due to exposure to the allergens such as poison ivy, hair dyes, latex rubber, fragrance of soaps, shampoos, lotions, perfumes, and cosmetics, certain medications, etc.
• Irritants such as soaps, chemical solvents, detergents, etc
• Skin exposure to sun

What are the symptoms of Contact Dermatitis?

• Itching at the affected area
• Skin redness or inflammation
• Red rashes, papules, or blisters on the affected skin
• Swelling and thickening of the infected skin

Contact Dermatitis Treatment

• Topical corticosteroid medications such as triamcinolone acetate to reduce inflammation.
• In severe cases, systemic corticosteroids such as prednisone may be prescribed to reduce inflammation.
• Emollients such as urea cream or vaseline can be used as drying solution.
• Wet compresses with an astringent such as aluminum acetate for soothing effect.
• Antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (benadryl) may be used as adjuncts to prevent itching or pruritus.
• Topical or oral antibiotics to prevent further infection.
• Photochemotherapy.
• Avoid contact with allergens and irritants.
• Wash thoroughly the affected area with anibiotic soap.