Contact dermatitis is a type of inflammation of the skin caused by direct contact with a particular substance. 

It is usually caused by a reaction between the skin and substances like fragrances, household cleaning products, cosmetics, or even plants. Contact dermatitis is divided into two categories: irritant contact dermatitis (ICD), which happens when the skin comes in contact with an irritating substance, and allergic contact dermatitis (ACD), which is caused by an allergic reaction to one or more components in a product, including preservatives, dyes, and fragrances. Both forms of contact dermatitis can cause redness, itching, and burning sensations on the skin, which can be both physically and emotionally uncomfortable.

What Causes Contact Dermatitis?

The causes of contact dermatitis vary and depend on the type of reaction experienced. Irritant contact dermatitis occurs when the skin is exposed to an irritating chemical or physical irritant, and is the most common form of contact dermatitis, affecting up to 80% of people with skin sensitivities. Common irritants that can trigger ICD include solvents, soaps, acids, and detergents. Allergic contact dermatitis, on the other hand, occurs when the body produces an immune response to an allergens, such as fragrances, preservatives, jewelry, and even rubber.

Symptoms of Contact Dermatitis

The symptoms of contact dermatitis vary depending on the type, but the most common signs are redness, skin rash, inflammation, and irritation. In cases of irritant contact dermatitis, the skin may be dry, scaly, and cracked, and may also have oozing blisters. Allergic contact dermatitis causes an itchy rash, and may also include small blisters, hives, or even intense swelling. In some cases, the signs and symptoms of contact dermatitis may disappear quickly once the allergen or irritant is avoided, while in other cases, the symptoms may persist for several weeks.

Diagnosing Contact Dermatitis

Diagnosing contact dermatitis is usually done by a doctor during a physical examination. The doctor will likely ask questions about the patient’s medical history, such as which products they may have been exposed to or any recent changes in their environment that could be an irritant or allergen. In some cases, a doctor may also use patch testing to help identify the cause of contact dermatitis. Patch testing involves placing a small amount of allergen or irritant on a patch of skin and then assessing the skin's reaction.

Treatment for Contact Dermatitis

The treatment for contact dermatitis depends on its cause. If contact with the irritant or allergen is avoided, symptoms usually disappear in a few days. In cases of severe contact dermatitis, treatments such as corticosteroids, antibiotics, or antihistamines may be used to alleviate the symptoms. For severe cases of allergic contact dermatitis, a doctor may use phototherapy, oral medications, or injectable medications. It is also important that contact dermatitis sufferers take steps to protect their skin from further injury. This includes avoiding hot water, using mild soaps, and wearing protective clothes when outdoors.

Contact dermatitis is a type of skin inflammation caused by direct contact with a particular substance. It is divided into two categories; irritant contact dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis. Symptoms vary depending on the type of reaction experienced, but generally include redness, skin rash, inflammation, and irritation. Treatment for contact dermatitis depends on the cause and may include avoiding further exposure to irritants or allergens, corticosteroids, antibiotics, antihistamines, or phototherapy. Protecting the skin from further injury is also important, and may involve avoiding hot water, using mild soaps, and wearing protective clothing when outdoors.

Contact dermatitis can be an uncomfortable and frustrating condition, but with proper diagnosis and treatment, it is possible to reduce or alleviate the symptoms and keep the condition under control.