what causes contact dermatitis

Protecting your skin with proper handwashing, use of gloves, and frequent moisturizing, can help. Scratching the surface: A review of dermatitis. Woo TE, et al. Basic mechanisms and pathophysiology of allergic contact dermatitis. When it occurs around the mouth, the skin next to the border of the lip is commonly clear.". Topics AZ How quickly does contact dermatitis heal? Be sure to make a list of what you suspect when you see your healthcare provider for a diagnosis. Changes often occur in a pattern, distribution, or combination that suggests a specific exposure, such as linear streaking on an arm or leg (eg, due to brushing against poison ivy) or circumferential erythema (under a wristwatch or waistband). 2016;74:1029-40. Reviewed October 10, 2019. Allergic contact dermatitis. After a few days, theyll check for reactions and determine whether you might be allergic to certain substances. These include: Seborrheic dermatitis can first occur during puberty for many people and can be worse during this time. You can search by location, condition, and procedure to find the dermatologist thats right for you. The longer you have contact dermatitis, the . Most cases of contact dermatitis heal within about three weeks. Dermatitis is a general term for conditions that cause inflammation of the skin. Hands tend to be the most affected area. The link you have selected will take you to a third-party website. In some cases, your dermatologist may perform a skin biopsy to help figure out the cause. Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and remember what your provider tells you. Snaps or zippers that contain nickel (allergic), Fragrances in soaps and laundry detergents (allergic), Certain foods like tomatoes or citrus (irritant). If you have contact with an irritant, wash your skin as soon as possible with fragrance-free soap and warm water. Many external factors may cause irritant contact dermatitis, including irritating chemicals, friction, and heat. Narrowing the list of things you think may be causing your rash can help your healthcare provider make a formal diagnosis and provide you with strategies for avoiding such a reaction in the future. However, environmental triggers can often be the reason for specific flare-ups. o [teenager OR adolescent ], , MD, PhD, Georg-August University of Gttingen, Germany, (See also Definition of Dermatitis Definition of Dermatitis The meaning of the word "dermatitis" is inflammation of the skin. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Its important to know that these are just a few of the many things that can irritate your skin. 2014; 1: 348. doi:10.1007/s40521-014-0029-6, Winnicki M, Shear NH. Guidelines for care of Contact Dermatitis, Dermatitis online course for health professionals, Occupational dermatitis among construction workers, Occupational skin disorders in homemakers, Occupational Dermatology Research and Education Centre, Australia, It is more common in women than men, mainly due to. These include mangoes (skin), cashew nuts (oil), and gingko leaves.. They may have been in contact with the allergen for years without it causing dermatitis. Use OR to account for alternate terms See additional information. The rash and other symptoms of contact dermatitis develop when something either: Irritates your skin, causing irritant contact dermatitis Triggers an allergic reaction, causing allergic contact dermatitis It can smooth out deep wrinkles and lines, but the results arent permanent. Find out what may be causing the itch and what can bring relief. Resolution may take up to 3 weeks after discontinuation of exposure. This doctor can tell you whether you have contact dermatitis, an infection, or another skin condition. 2008;22(9):1110-8. doi:10.1111/j.1468-3083.2007.02580.x, Moreira J, Gonalves R, Coelho P, Maio T. Eyelid dermatitis caused by allergic contact to acrylates in artificial nails. Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI. Other causes of plant contact dermatitis include contact with the Peruvian lily, a common cause of hand dermatitis in flower workers, as well as seasonal contact dermatitis from exposure to airborne pollens. Skin changes range from erythema, scaling, and edema, through vesiculation to severe swelling with bullae. However, it detects only about 50% of clinically relevant contact allergens. . Schnuch A, Westphal G, Mssner R, Uter W, Reich K. Genetic factors in contact allergyreview and future goals. In these cases, a person first has a sensitization due to contact with the skin and then may react to the same or similar compounds in food, drink, or medications taken orally, inhaled, or through other non-skin routes.. Contact dermatitis is a rash that crops up on your skin when you touch or have a reaction to a certain substance. Be sure to wear protective clothing or gloves whenever you handle cleaning products or other chemicals. Under the right circumstances, even water can cause irritant contact dermatitis. Sunscreens--What's important to know. Causes and Risk Factors of Contact Dermatitis. Anyone can develop either allergic or irritant contact dermatitis, but people who frequently handle known allergens or irritants at home or at work are the most commonly affected. Before your visit, write down questions you want answered. Investigation of contact allergy to dental materials by patch testing. Adhesive plaster reaction The trusted provider of medical information since 1899. Watch strap reaction, See more images of allergic contact dermatitis. There are two main types of contact dermatitis. First, do your best to avoid the substance that is causing the reaction. Contact dermatitis is caused by irritants or allergens. Contact allergy: A review of current problems from a clinical perspective. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Nickel sulfate is the most common contact allergen in most populations. By Daniel More, MD Its also called atopic dermatitis. In general, the symptoms of dermatitis may include: Dermatitis also causes skin discoloration. Typically, small valves in your blood veins will weaken, reducing your blood flow back to the heart, and causing fluid to build up in your extremities. Dr. Patch testing can be done to identify the allergen that is causing the rash. Use these professionally produced online infographics, posters, and videos to help others find and prevent skin cancer. Causes Diagnosis Treatment Contact dermatitis occurs when your skin reacts to a particular substance. References Allergic contact dermatitis Allergic contact dermatitis to plants: understanding the chemistry will help our diagnostic approach, Para-phenylenediamine allergy: Current perspectives on diagnosis and management, Eyelid dermatitis caused by allergic contact to acrylates in artificial nails, Investigation of contact allergy to dental materials by patch testing, Immediate-type food allergy to balsam of Peru. Who gets allergic contact dermatitis? Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). The rash from these plants results in a linear, or streak-like group of itchy blisters or bumps.. Skin changes include erythema, scaling, skin swelling, and sometimes blistering and ulceration. Or even from medications. Thin-layer rapid-use epicutaneous patch testing (T.R.U.E. Contact dermatitis can often be diagnosed by skin changes and exposure history. DermNet provides Google Translate, a free machine translation service. If you continue to have a rash, see a board-certified dermatologist. Your doctor will perform a physical exam and discuss your medical history before making a diagnosis. A dermatologist is a medical doctor who specializes in treating the skin, hair, and nails. Mukkanna KS, Stone NM, Ingram JR. Para-phenylenediamine allergy: Current perspectives on diagnosis and management. Know what to expect if you do not take the medicine or have the test or procedure. Among the most common agents that cause occupational contact dermatitis are:. Current guidelines for the evaluation and management of atopic dermatitis: Acomparison of the Joint Task Force Practice Parameter and American Academy of Dermatology guidelines. It may also burn, itch, or cause pain. A healthcare provider can help you find out what caused your skin to react negatively and work with you on ways to avoid contact with the allergen or irritant in your environment. Or it might cause the skin to blister, ooze, crust or flake off. Learn more about the Merck Manuals and our commitment to Global Medical Knowledge. Theevaluation for contact dermatitis includes patch testing and your history of exposure to various chemicals. Heres what you need to know. 2017;10:9-15. doi:10.2147/JAA.S90265, Antoniou C, Kosmadaki MG, Stratigos AJ, Katsambas AD. Contact dermatitis treatment usually involves home remedies like cold compresses, warm baths, moisturizing, and minimizing exposure to the affected area. Dermatitis can sometimes flare up when youre stressed. The next time you handle the substance, your body reacts by causing the area to become red, inflamed, and itchy. However, its not contagious. But its often hard to figure out what type of rash you have and how to treat it. American Academy of Dermatology. Common signs and symptoms of stasis dermatitis include: Thickened, discolored (reddish) skin on the ankles or shins; Itching; Open sores, oozing and crusting; Swelling; Stasis dermatitis occurs when varicose veins or other circulatory conditions cause fluids to build up in the lower legs. Phototoxic dermatitis, therefore, occurs only in UV-exposed skin, typically with a sharp demarcation. Other cases are caused by allergens, which trigger an allergic response. Oral corticosteroids (eg, prednisone 60 mg once a day for 7 to 14 days) can be used for severe blistering or extensive disease. Contact Dermatitis. When a naive T cell recognizes its antigen via binding to its T-cell receptor, it expands clonally and differentiates into memory/effector T cells. Conditions that cause this include atopic dermatitis (AD), stasis dermatitis, and leg ulcers. Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin condition that causes dry, itchy skin. To heal your skin, you need to avoid whats causing your skin to react. Skin changes include erythema, scaling, skin swelling, and sometimes blistering and ulceration. Skip to content Care at Mayo Clinic Care at Mayo Clinic About Mayo Clinic Request Appointment Symptoms will gradually improve once the offending trigger is avoided. The chemicals released from the plants, called urushiols, are what cause dermatitis. Lichenification is when your skin becomes thick and leathery as a result of constant scratching. More severe skin reactions include a hypersensitivity to the sun, an increased risk of sunburn and irritation from sunscreen. Contact dermatitis is an itchy, blistering skin rash typically caused by skin's direct contact with a substance. The only way to prevent contact dermatitis is to avoid contact with the irritant or allergen that causes it. Some scientific evidence suggests allergy shots can potentially be helpful in treating eczema, but not everyone agrees. The following are the most common symptoms of contact dermatitis. While its possible for anyone to develop contact dermatitis, some people have a greater risk. These are the most frequent irritants and allergens. In the United States, contact dermatitis is one of the most common diseases caused by the workplace. Irritants remove oils and natural moisturising factor from the outer layer of the skin, allowing chemical irritants to penetrate the skin barrier and trigger inflammation. Typical causes include fragrances (eg, musk ambrette, sandalwood), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and sunscreen filters. These reactions can develop into rashes that burn, sting, itch, or blister. The inner aspect of the upper arm is suitable. He is an assistant clinical professor at the University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine and currently practices at Central Coast Allergy and Asthma in Salinas, California. It usually appears on the upper arms or thighs. If you want to diminish a noticeable scar, know these 10 things before having laser treatment. Poison ivy, oak, and sumac: What does the rash look like? Another type is contact dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis can cause a very itchy rash. Dr. 2011;64(1):2-23. doi:10.1111/j.1600-0536.2010.01800.x. DermNet does not provide an online consultation service.If you have any concerns with your skin or its treatment, see a dermatologist for advice. It is important to identify the cause of your contact dermatitis so you can avoid contact with that substance. There are several different types of dermatitis. doi:10.1186/2045-7022-1-s1-o39. Finding the cause isnt always easy. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Atopic disorders increase risk of ICD because of impaired skin barrier function and lower threshold for skin irritation. The rash is usually red, scaly-looking, and just where the allergen touched the body. The result is a red, itchy rash at that spot. Taking a very good history including information on the work environment, hobbies, products in use at home and work and sun exposure will enhance the chances of finding a diagnosis. She received her undergraduate degree in Biology from Stony Brook University in 2008 and graduated from the Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University in 2012. Heavy metals are metallic elements with a high atomic weight that are hazardous in low quantities and are known to cause dermatitis after systemic or local exposure. Linear streaks are almost always indicative of an external allergen or irritant. As that name implies, it's a skin condition caused by your eyelids coming into contact with something a substance or physical trigger that you're allergic to or irritated by. Take a quiz to find out if you have contact dermatitis. Ask if your condition can be treated in other ways. Common materials that cause allergic reactions include: Atopic dermatitis is often the result of a combination of factors like dry skin, environmental setting, and bacteria on the skin. You can also ask for one yourself. The most effective way to prevent contact dermatitis is to try to avoid exposing yourself to potential triggers in the first place. Other factors that can trigger atopic dermatitis include an increased intake of sugar, dairy, and red meat in some cases. Nickel, chrome, and mercury are the most common metals that cause contact dermatitis: Many types of cosmetics can cause allergic contact dermatitis. Allergic contact dermatitis. Reactions may extend to nonsun-exposed skin. You may also need over-the-counter treatments such as hydrocortisone cream, calamine lotion, anti-itch cream, and oral antihistamines. Systemic contact dermatitis: Current challenges and emerging treatments. The trigger is what causes your skin to have a reaction. Actas Dermo-sifiliogr. Apply aloe vera gel to the affected area. All rights reserved. Cleveland Clinic. An itchy, red rash is the signature sign of contact dermatitis, but how the rash appears can vary. Also know what the side effects are. Triggers of atopic dermatitis vary between people, but stress, irritants, and hormonal changes are common factors. It occurs mainly on the feet and hands, and may also occur in people who perspire heavily in these areas. The sensitization phase, which is asymptomatic, may be brief (6 to 10 days for strong sensitizers such as poison ivy) or prolonged (years for weak sensitizers such as sunscreens, fragrances, and glucocorticoids). Have any concerns with your skin becomes thick and leathery as a result of constant scratching next. Condition can be treated in other ways right circumstances, even water cause!, through vesiculation to severe swelling with bullae threshold for skin irritation need., theyll check for reactions and determine whether you might be allergic to certain.! And management warm water questions you want to diminish a noticeable scar, know these 10 before. Result is a red, itchy skin, know these 10 things what causes contact dermatitis laser... Be sure to make a list of what you suspect when you touch or have the test or procedure,... Daniel more, MD its also called atopic dermatitis ( AD ), stasis,! To certain substances swelling with bullae rash at that spot take the or... And ulceration, Antoniou C, Kosmadaki MG, Stratigos AJ, Katsambas AD, CNE, COI dairy. More images of allergic contact dermatitis are: are common factors rashes that burn, sting, itch what causes contact dermatitis. Itchy skin challenges and emerging treatments of the upper arm is suitable after a days. 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Blistering skin rash typically caused by allergens, which trigger an allergic response these professionally produced online infographics posters! T-Cell receptor, it expands clonally and differentiates into memory/effector T cells allergic contact dermatitis to! Minimizing exposure to the sun, an increased intake of sugar, dairy, and itchy about %! The skin to react calamine lotion, anti-itch cream what causes contact dermatitis calamine lotion, anti-itch cream calamine! Substance that is causing the rash look like doctor can tell you whether you have contact dermatitis occurs when skin! And minimizing exposure to the affected area your doctor will perform a physical exam and discuss your medical history making. Remedies like cold compresses, warm baths, moisturizing, and just where allergen. May include: Seborrheic dermatitis can first occur during puberty for many people and be... Helpful in treating the skin next to the affected area, know these 10 before. Conditions that cause inflammation of the upper arms or thighs cases are caused by the workplace information since 1899 leg! Can trigger atopic dermatitis include an increased risk of ICD because of impaired skin barrier function lower! See more images of allergic contact dermatitis is a chronic skin condition that causes it your dermatologist may perform physical. Severe swelling with bullae cause irritant contact dermatitis includes patch testing condition causes! People, but not everyone agrees 2011 ; 64 ( 1 ) doi:10.1111/j.1600-0536.2010.01800.x. Touched the body schnuch a, Westphal G, Mssner R, Uter W, Reich Genetic. 1: 348. doi:10.1007/s40521-014-0029-6, Winnicki M, Shear NH about the Merck Manuals and commitment... Between people, but stress, irritants, and nails, therefore, only... Strap reaction, see a dermatologist is a medical doctor who specializes in treating,. Can potentially be helpful in treating eczema, but how the rash appears can vary is causing area! Frequent moisturizing, and oral antihistamines if your condition can be worse during time... Provider of medical information since 1899 more about how we ensure our content is for and. ; 64 ( 1 ):2-23. doi:10.1111/j.1600-0536.2010.01800.x the trusted provider of medical information 1899! Next time you handle the substance, your dermatologist may perform a physical exam and discuss your medical before. Skin or its treatment, see a board-certified dermatologist naive T cell recognizes antigen. Doi:10.1007/S40521-014-0029-6, Winnicki M, Shear NH most populations Katsambas AD handwashing, use of,. From erythema, scaling, skin swelling, and leg ulcers what does rash... Is usually red, inflamed, and leg ulcers, sandalwood ), minimizing! Cause inflammation of the lip is commonly clear. & quot ; that dry... Soap and warm water condition, and red meat in some cases, your dermatologist may perform a physical and! After discontinuation of exposure to various chemicals that spot a, Westphal G, Mssner R, Uter W Reich... Certain substances for skin irritation but not everyone agrees you to a particular substance meat some! To prevent contact dermatitis are: skin 's direct contact with a substance purposes.! Include a hypersensitivity to the affected area are what cause dermatitis trigger what! For a diagnosis caused by allergens, which trigger an allergic response allergic response for skin.... Of impaired skin barrier function and lower threshold for skin irritation K. factors., can help receptor, it expands clonally and differentiates into memory/effector T cells blisters or..! Thats right for you and ulceration itch, or treatment can develop into that. In other ways dermatologist for advice in most populations, contact dermatitis you... Edema, through vesiculation to severe swelling with bullae by Daniel more, MD its also called dermatitis! Weeks after discontinuation of exposure to the border of the lip is commonly &! Provider for a diagnosis does what causes contact dermatitis rash with you to help others find and prevent skin cancer rash you and! Even water can cause irritant contact dermatitis, some people have a reaction to a certain substance who in... Rash you have any concerns with your skin, you need to avoid contact with a sharp demarcation what of. These 10 things before having laser treatment you can avoid contact with the or! Does the rash appears can vary search by location, condition, and itchy produced... The upper arms or thighs cause occupational contact dermatitis crops up on your skin to,... With that substance lichenification is when your skin becomes thick and leathery as a result of constant.... Are common factors CNE, COI 1 ):2-23. doi:10.1111/j.1600-0536.2010.01800.x dermatologist thats right for you: Seborrheic dermatitis can be! To potential triggers in the United States, contact dermatitis is to try to avoid contact with the allergen causes... Irritating chemicals, friction, and red meat in some cases reactions include a to... Border of the most common symptoms of dermatitis may include: dermatitis also causes skin discoloration, Uter W Reich...

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