Contact dermatitis
goodtoknow says: Contact dermatitis - also known as contact eczema - mainly affects adults and happens when your skin reacts badly to a certain substance or chemical. There are two types of contact dermatitis. Allergic contact dermatitis occurs when you develop a sensitivity to something over time, such as nickel in jewellry. Irritant contact dermatitis commonly affects the hands and can be caused by washing up liquid, soap, bleach and chemicals. People who spend a lot of time cleaning are particularly at risk. Moisturisers, steroid creams and avoiding the 'trigger' substance can all help. See your GP for more advice.
For a full medical explanation of the causes, symptoms and treatments of contact dermatitis from patient.co.uk, read on.
Contact dermatitis is a rash caused by your skin reacting to a substance it has come into contact with. You may need 'patch testing' to identify the causative substance. A steroid cream or ointment will usually clear the rash. However, the long-term treatment is to avoid contact with the causative substance.
What is dermatitis?
Dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin. Dermatitis is also called eczema. It causes red, itchy skin which may also blister. There are several types of dermatitis. However, dermatitis is generally grouped into two main types:
- Dermatitis caused by a problem from 'within' the body. For example atopic eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a common condition which tends to run in families. If you have atopic eczema you are born with a tendency for your skin to become inflamed. Various parts of the skin tends to 'flare-up' with inflammation from time to time. Atopic eczema is dealt with further in a separate leaflet.
- Dermatitis caused by a substance from outside the body. This typically causes patches of inflammation on areas of skin which have come into contact with the substance. This is called 'contact dermatitis'. If you avoid the offending substance, the skin inflammation should go away.
The rest of this leaflet is only about contact dermatitis.
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Where to next?
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What is the initial treatment for contact dermatitis?
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Atopic eczema, an overview
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Treatment for atopic eczema, topical steroids
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Allergies: Help and advice
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Dust mite and pet allergy
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Final information on nut allergy
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Hay fever
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Hay fever: Is it worse than ever?
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Hives (acute urticaria)
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How common is nut allergy and what are the symptoms?
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How do symptoms develop?
