Contact Dermatitis Treatment

If you have an itchy, red rash, visible bumps or blisters on your skin, you may have contact dermatitis. Whether you have a mild irritation or a more severe reaction, the experienced allergy specialists at Schweiger Dermatology & Allergy can help relieve the discomfort of contact dermatitis. Our team of experts will perform a thorough consultation to determine the cause and then provide you with an individualized treatment plan that’s best suited for you.

What is Contact Dermatitis?

Contact dermatitis is an inflammatory condition that occurs when your skin comes in contact with an irritant or allergen, leading to a rash that often shows up within days of exposure. While contact dermatitis is usually not a major health concern, it can cause significant discomfort, including itching, swelling and dryness. The affected skin can range from mild redness to severe blistering.

Types of Contact Dermatitis

There are two primary types of contact dermatitis: irritant and allergic, and the root cause depends on which type you have. Both forms of contact dermatitis are triggered by substances that either irritate the skin’s surface or provoke an immune response.

Irritant Contact Dermatitis

Irritant Contact Dermatitis occurs when your skin is exposed to a substance that physically damages the skin’s protective barrier. It results from direct exposure to harsh chemicals or other damaging materials and accounts for 80% of all contact dermatitis, according to the National Eczema Association.

Causes of Irritant Contact Dermatitis include:

  • Direct contact with chemicals like bleach, acids or solvents can break down the skin’s barrier and cause inflammation.
  • Friction or repeated rubbing from tight shoes or gloves can irritate sensitive skin areas.
  • Extreme weather conditions, such as cold air or low humidity, can dry out the skin, making it more prone to irritation.

Allergic Contact Dermatitis

Allergic Contact Dermatitis is an immune system response. The first time your skin is exposed to an allergen, there might not be any visible reaction. However, after repeated exposure, your immune system “remembers” the substance and reacts, leading to inflammation, itching and other symptoms. This delayed response can take anywhere from 24 to 72 hours to appear.

Causes of Allergic Contact Dermatitis:

  • Contact with plants like poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac is a common trigger.
  • Jewelry, watches, and other items containing nickel can lead to allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
  • Many personal care products, such as lotions, deodorants, or makeup, contain fragrances or preservatives that may cause allergic reactions.
  • Rubber items such as gloves, balloons, or medical equipment can provoke skin reactions in those with latex allergies.

Symptoms of Contact Dermatitis

The symptoms of contact dermatitis can vary from mild to severe depending on the type and your sensitivity to the substance.

Symptoms may include:

  • Red, swollen, inflamed skin, often with a patchy or widespread rash.
  • Intense itching that can range from mild to severe. Scratching can make the rash worse and even lead to infection.
  • In more severe cases, blisters may form. If they break open, they can lead to oozing and crusting.
  • As the rash begins to heal, the skin can become dry and flaky, which may last for weeks.
  • In more severe cases, the skin may become tender to the touch and painful, especially if the rash is widespread.
  • In chronic cases, the skin may become cracked, which can increase the risk of secondary infections.

How is Contact Dermatitis Diagnosed?

Diagnosing contact dermatitis typically begins with a thorough review of the patient’s medical history. The patient is asked specific questions about when their symptoms first appeared, any known allergies, past skin conditions and potential exposures to irritants or allergens.

The next step is a physical examination, during which the provider will closely inspect the rash. The appearance and distribution of the rash can provide clues about whether the condition is irritant contact dermatitis, which usually appears as a red, dry inflamed skin or allergic contact dermatitis which tends to develop in patches.

In some cases, additional tests may be needed to confirm the diagnosis or determine the exact cause of the reaction. One common test is a patch test. During a patch test, small amounts of potential allergens are applied to the skin, usually on the back, using adhesive patches. The patches are left in place for 48 hours, and the skin is examined for signs of an allergic reaction. The test also helps identify specific substances—like fragrances, metals or preservatives that may be causing the allergic reaction.

If the patient has a more severe or widespread contact dermatitis, blood tests or skin biopsy may be ordered. Blood tests can check for elevated levels of specific antibodies or markers of inflammation that may suggest an allergic response. A skin biopsy, while less common, involves taking a small sample of the affected skin to examine under a microscope, which can help differentiate between contact dermatitis and other skin disorders with similar symptoms, such as eczema or psoriasis.

Prevention and Treatment for Contact Dermatitis

Preventing and treating contact dermatitis largely depends on the severity of the symptoms and the underlying cause. There are several ways to reduce inflammation, soothe itching, and prevent future flare-ups, including:

  • Identifying and avoiding the trigger is one of the first and most important steps in treating contact dermatitis.
  • Washing skin after contact with poison ivy, oak or sumac may remove most of the rash-causing allergen. Be sure to use fragrance-free soap and warm water, and wash clothing and other items that may have come in contact with the allergen.
  • Wear protective clothing, including face masks, goggles and gloves when handling irritating substances like household cleaners, etc.
  • Topical Treatments like corticosteroid creams can reduce inflammation and soothe irritated skin. Over-the-counter hydrocortisone creams can be effective for mild cases, while stronger prescription steroids may be needed for more severe reactions.
  • Calamine lotion can help dry out oozing blisters and soothe itching.
  • Antihistamine creams can help relieve itching and reduce swelling.
  • Oral medications can reduce inflammation and control symptoms if the contact dermatitis is severe or widespread.
  • Fragrance-free moisturizers can help restore the skin’s natural barrier and prevent further damage. They may also provide an extra layer of protection against irritating substances.
  • Wet Compresses can help reduce swelling and soothe itchy, inflamed skin. This can be particularly useful for easing the discomfort of more severe flare-ups.

Treat Contact Dermatitis with Schweiger Dermatology & Allergy

If you think you have contact dermatitis, schedule an appointment with one of our allergy specialists so they can evaluate your condition and create a treatment plan for you. To schedule an appointment, call (844) 760-3380 or book your appointment online. We currently offer allergy services in select offices in New York and New Jersey.

Reviewed by Dr. Peter Logalbo.


FAQs

  • Is contact dermatitis contagious?

    Contact dermatitis is not contagious. It’s caused by exposure to irritants or allergens, and it cannot be spread through direct skin contact.

  • How do I know what caused my contact dermatitis?

    Tracking your exposure to new products, chemicals, or environmental factors can help pinpoint the cause. An allergy specialist can also perform patch testing to identify specific allergens.

  • Does contact dermatitis go away on its own?

    In many cases, mild cases of contact dermatitis will resolve on their own once the irritant or allergen is removed. However, severe or chronic cases may require medical treatment to control symptoms.

  • Can I use over-the-counter treatments for contact dermatitis?

    Yes, over-the-counter options like hydrocortisone creams, antihistamines, and moisturizers can be effective for mild cases of contact dermatitis. If symptoms persist or worsen, it’s best to consult a healthcare provider for stronger treatments.

  • Is it possible to prevent contact dermatitis?

    While you may not be able to prevent contact dermatitis entirely, you can reduce your risk by avoiding known irritants or allergens, using mild skin care products, and taking precautions, like wearing gloves when handling chemicals.

About Schweiger Dermatology Group

Founded by Dr. Eric Schweiger in 2010, Schweiger Dermatology Group began as a single office in Midtown Manhattan with a mission to deliver high-quality dermatologic care without long waits. As demand grew, so did the practice. Today we have over 120 locations across 8 states with more than 400 of the nation's leading providers and were ranked as the number one practice nationally in cosmetic and reconstructive care by Castle Connolly. In 2023, we broadened our expertise by integrating allergy care into our services. We remain committed to offering exceptional medical, cosmetic, and surgical dermatology as well as comprehensive allergy services, ensuring patients receive expert care in a modern, state-of-the art environment.

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