Contact dermatitis is a reaction that happens after your skin comes in contact with certain substances. Skin irritants cause most contact dermatitis reactions. Other cases are caused by allergens, which trigger an allergic response. The reaction may not start until 24 to 48 hours after exposure. Contact dermatitis, caused
by an irritant that is not an allergic response, happens from direct contact with the irritant. Allergic contact dermatitis most commonly affects adults, but it can affect people of all ages. Some of the most common causes of contact dermatitis include:
Plants, metals, cosmetics, and medicines may also cause a contact dermatitis reaction: Poison ivyPoison ivy is part of a plant family that includes poison oak and sumac. It is one of the most common causes of a contact dermatitis reaction. MetalsMany chemical agents can cause allergic contact dermatitis. Nickel, chrome, and mercury are the most common metals that cause contact dermatitis:
CosmeticsMany types of cosmetics can cause allergic contact dermatitis. Permanent hair dyes that contain paraphenylenediamine are often causes. Other products that may cause problems include dyes used in clothing, perfumes, eye shadow, nail polish, lipstick, and some sunscreens. MedicinesNeomycin is found in antibiotic creams, such as triple antibiotic ointment. It is a common cause of medicine-related contact dermatitis. Penicillin, sulfa medicines, and local anesthetics, such as procaine hydrochloride or paraben, are other possible causes. What are the symptoms of contact dermatitis?The following are the most common symptoms of contact dermatitis. However, each person may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:
The most severe reaction is at the contact site. The symptoms of contact dermatitis may look like other skin conditions. Always talk with your healthcare provider for a diagnosis. How is contact dermatitis diagnosed?Diagnosis is usually based on a medical history and physical exam. Patch testing can be done to identify the allergen that is causing the rash. A skin biopsy may also be performed. How is contact dermatitis treated?Specific treatment for contact dermatitis will be determined by your healthcare provider based on:
The best treatment is to identify and avoid the substances that may have caused the allergic reaction. The following are common treatment recommendations for mild to moderate reactions:
If the reaction is significant and the substance that caused it can't be determined, your healthcare provider may do a series of patch tests to help identify the irritant. Can contact dermatitis be prevented?The only way to prevent contact dermatitis is to avoid contact with the irritant or allergen that causes it. Key points about contact dermatitis
Next stepsTips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider:
When irritating substances temporarily damage the epidermis the result is?irritant contact dermatitis: Abbreviated ICD; Occurs when irritating substance temporarily damages the epidermis.
What area of the skin structure is responsible for the skin's sensitivity to light touch *?What area of the skin structure is responsible for the skin's sensitivity to light touch? The Pacinian corpuscle is a nerve ending responsible for sensitivity to pain and pressure. The skin is considered a tissue.
Which type of skin cancer results from stratum spinosum cells producing a round red papule?Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma is a cancer of the keratin producing cells in the squamous epithelium (i.e., keratinocytes) within the stratum spinosum layer of the epidermis. It may be visible as skin growths that appear as a non-healing, ulcerated (i.e. crusted) nodule or erosion in the skin.
Which of these skin problems is an inherited autoimmune disorder?Current research indicates that psoriasis is most likely an inherited disorder — commonly, psoriasis patients have a family member with the same disease or another autoimmune disorder. Psoriasis symptoms can come and go through a person's life.
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