overview
- Contact dermatitis on the wrist
- Contact dermatitis on the wrist Open the popup dialog
- Contact dermatitis is a red, itchy rash caused by direct contact with or an allergic reaction to a substance. The rash is not contagious or potentially life threatening, but it can be very uncomfortable.
Many substances can cause such reactions, including soaps, cosmetics, perfumes, jewelry, and plants.
To successfully treat contact dermatitis, you need to identify the cause of your reaction and avoid it. If you can avoid the offending substance, the rash will usually go away within two to four weeks. You can try soothing your skin with cool, damp compresses, anti-itch creams, and other personal care products.
symptom
- Picture shows contact dermatitis on the face
- Contact dermatitis on the face Open popup dialog Picture shows poison ivy rash (allergic contact dermatitis)
- Poison Ivy Bubbles Open the popup dialog
- Contact dermatitis usually occurs in areas of your body that have been directly exposed to the substance causing the reaction – for example, along a calf that has rubbed poison ivy or under a bracelet. The rash usually develops between a few minutes and a few hours after exposure and can last for two to four weeks.
The signs and symptoms of contact dermatitis include:
- A red rash
- Itching, which can be severe
- Dry, cracked, and flaky skin
- Bumps and blisters, sometimes oozing and crusty
The reasons
Contact dermatitis is caused by a substance to which you are exposed that irritates your skin or causes an allergic reaction. The substance could be one of thousands of known allergens and irritants. Some of these substances can cause irritating contact dermatitis as well as allergic contact dermatitis.
Irritant contact dermatitis is the most common type. This non-allergic skin reaction occurs when a substance damages the outer protective layer of your skin.
Some people react to strong irritants after a single exposure. Others may develop signs and symptoms after repeated exposure to even mild irritants. And some people develop a tolerance to the substance over time.
Risk factors
Certain jobs and hobbies put you at higher risk for contact dermatitis. Examples include:
- Health and dental care workers
- Metallurgists
- construction worker
- Hairdressers and beauticians
- car Mechanic
- Diver or swimmer due to the rubber of the masks or goggles
- cleanser
- Gardeners and farm workers
- Cooks and others who work with food
Complications
- Contact dermatitis can lead to infection if you repeatedly scratch, wet, and ooze the affected area. This creates a good place for bacteria or fungus to grow and can cause infection.
prevention
The general prevention steps are as follows:
- Avoid irritants and allergens. Try to identify and avoid substances that irritate your skin or cause allergic reactions.
- Wash your skin. You may be able to remove most of the rash-causing substance by washing your skin immediately after it comes in contact with it. Use a mild, fragrance-free soap and lukewarm water. Rinse completely. Also wash clothes or other items that may have come into contact with a plant allergen, such as: B. Poison ivy.
- Wear protective clothing or gloves. Masks, glasses, gloves, and other protective items can help protect you from irritants, including household cleaners.
- Put an ironing plaster on to cover the metal fasteners near your skin. This can help you avoid reacting to pressure from jeans, for example.
- Apply a protective cream or gel. These products can provide a protective layer for your skin. For example, an over-the-counter skin cream that contains bentoquatam (IvyBlock) can prevent or reduce your skin’s response to poison ivy.
- Use a moisturizer. Regularly applying moisturizing lotions can help restore the outermost layer of your skin and keep your skin plump.