Contact dermatitis is an inflammatory condition that is caused through contact with particular substances. This inflammation is usually confined to a particular area and it usually has defined borders. We recognize two main forms of dermatitis: contact dermatitis and atopic dermatitis.
There are many different matters that can cause this type of reaction. Even the mild soaps, detergents and some metals can lead to irritation after a frequent contact. Sometimes, repeated exposure to certain elements, even water, can dry out and irritate the skin. Strong, allergens such as acid, cleaning products and organic dissolvers can cause a skin reaction within minutes.
When it comes to allergic dermatitis, first exposure to allergen usually doesn’t cause reaction. However, problem appears when a person is constantly exposed to certain matters which are otherwise regarded as allergic agents. Itching and dermatitis usually appear within first 24 hours. People can be exposed or use these products (or allergens) for years without problem and then suddenly, allergic reaction may appear basically overnight. In some cases, even the creams and lotions that are used for dermatitis can cause such an irritation.
The most common allergens are:
- Cosmetic products (chemicals for hair removal, nail polish, products for nail polish removal, deodorants, humidifiers, aftershaves, perfumes, sunscreens)
- Certain metals such as nickel
- Plants (poison ivy, rhus tree, chrysanthemum etc.)
- Component of skin creams
- Antibiotic, antihistamines, anesthetics, antiseptics, stabilizers
- Chemicals used for production of clothes (products with tannin, antioxidants in gloves, shoes, underwear)
Symptoms of contact dermatitis can range from mild, short redness to hard swelling and bubbles forming on the surface of the skin. Rash often has small, itchy bubbles. At first, this rash is usually confined to a certain area but it can spread as the time goes by. Irritated area can be very small or it can cover entire body. It all depends on contact surface with allergen. Luckily, if we manage to remove allergen, we are able to remove redness and irritation within a few days. Even though bubbles may leak, they dry out soon enough. Peeling of the skin, itching and skin thickening can often last for days and even weeks.
Diagnosing the disease can be very tricky. There are unlimited possibilities when it comes to allergens that are causing these changes. According to You! Drugstore, doctor should always start with the area where irritation appeared for the first time so that he can perform examination and discover problematic substance.
In most of the cases, drugs such as Hyderm will be a great solution for patient’s irritation. This drug is one of the most popular corticosteroids used for dermatitis. Like any other drug of its kind, it is used to remove inflammation. Having in mind that dermatitis is basically inflammatory reaction to certain allergens in our midst, by removing it, patient is also able to eliminate associated symptoms such as redness, itching, swelling and rash. Hyderm comes in a form of lotion, cream and ointment and it should be applied on affected area. Medicine should be used 3 to 4 times a day, for a maximum of 7 days.
