Contact Dermatitis
Contact dermatitis develops when something that the skin touches causes a rash. Some rashes develop instantly, but most take time to appear. Almost every person gets this type of eczema at least once.
Allergic Contact Dermatitis
Certain people have an allergic skin response. Contact dermatitis is a rash caused by the following things, among others:
- Poison ivy
- Nickel
- Latex gloves
- Makeup applied once or a few times
- Jewelry that a person wore for an extended time without a reaction, such as a wedding band
- Jewelry that a person wore only for a few hours or days
Irritant Contact Dermatitis
This form of contact dermatitis is more common and develops when something irritates the skin. Most things irritate the skin with enough contact. An individual diagnosed with any of the below-mentioned has irritant contact dermatitis:
- Acid burn
- Diaper rash
- Dry, cracked hands because of lots of contact with water
- Irritated skin surrounding the mouth due to lip-licking
The skin quickly becomes irritated when a toxic substance touches it. If the skin reacted to one of the toxic substances below, the person might have developed contact dermatitis:
- Bleach
- Battery acid
- Pepper spray
A person may also develop contact dermatitis when they have lots of contact with less irritating substances, such as:
- Foods
- Water
- Soap
People often develop irritant contact dermatitis at the workplace. Nurses, beauticians, bartenders, and others who spend significant amounts of time with wet hands may get this dermatology condition. It typically initiates with dry, cracked hands. Over time, the skin on their hands may start to burn and sting, and it becomes very tender. At times, the skin bleeds and itches.
If the rash does not clear within a few weeks, the patient will need to consult a dermatologist. Treatment is important when contact dermatitis occurs as it can prevent the condition from becoming worse and enabling the skin to heal.
Suggestions for Managing Contact Dermatitis
At times, the patient can get rid of the rash themselves. The following suggestions by dermatologists can help them identify the cause:
If the patient feels that using or wearing a specific item has caused the rash, they should discontinue using this item. Once they can identify what is causing the rash, avoiding it usually clears the rash.
In case the rash starts to clear, the culprit may be apparent. In case the rash remains for worsens for two weeks, the patient should set up a consultation with a dermatologist.
Rash beneath clothing, jewelry, or shoes
If a rash occurs where clothing, jewelry, shoes, a zipper, a fastener, or a zipper touches the skin:
Discontinue wearing the item for a few days.
If the rash starts to clear when the patient stops wearing the item, they may be allergic to a fabric finisher, metal, or dye.
When to Consult a Dermatologist
A person should consult a dermatologist if they have a rash that:
- Is severe (blisters, oozing, intense itch, or raw skin)
- Does not clear up in a few days
- Develops in a transient manner
- Occurs due to something at the workplace
A dermatologist can assist the patient in understanding whether they have any allergies. In case the patient has an allergy, the dermatologist can develop a plan to help them avoid things that cause the rash.
For More Information contact our Board Certified in Dermatologists at Texas Surgical Dermatology in Spring, TX
For more information on procedures and treatments offered at Texas Surgical Dermatology PA please call 832.663.6566 or click here to contact our dermatologists. Helping patients in Houston, The Woodlands, Spring, Katy and other surrounding areas of Texas.
