Contact Dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin characterized by an itchy, reddish rash, which occurs due to irritation after direct contact with a certain substance or due to an allergic reaction to a certain substance. Contact dermatitis is divided into two types, namely allergic contact dermatitis and irritant contact dermatitis.
For general information about dermatitis, you can read this article: Dermatitis – Symptoms, Causes, Prevention & Treatment.
Symptoms of Contact Dermatitis
Symptoms of allergic contact dermatitis include:
- Dry skin.
- Blistering skin.
- Redness of the skin.
- Skin looks dark.
- Skin feels sore.
- Severe itching.
- Sensitive to sunlight.
- Swelling of the eyes, face, or groin.
Symptoms of irritant contact dermatitis include:
- Blistering skin.
- Chapped skin.
- Swollen.
- Skin feels tight.
- Ulcer.
- An open wound that crusts over.
Causes of Contact Dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is caused by substances that irritate the skin or trigger an allergic reaction. The substance can be any of thousands of known allergens and irritants. Some substances can cause both irritant contact dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis.
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Irritant Contact Dermatitis
This is the most common type. This non-allergic skin reaction occurs when a substance damages the skin’s outer protective layer. Some people react with strong irritation after a single exposure.
While some people may experience signs and symptoms after repeated exposure to mild irritants, others can tolerate exposure to the substance.
Substances that can generally irritate the skin are:
- Solvent.
- Spirit.
- Bleach and detergent.
- Shampoo.
- Airborne substances, such as sawdust or wool dust.
- Plant.
- Fertilizers and pesticides.
- Allergic Contact Dermatitis
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Allergic Contact Dermatitis
This condition occurs when a sensitive substance (allergen) triggers an immune system reaction in the skin. It usually only affects the area that comes into contact with the allergen. It can also be triggered by something that enters the body. For example, through food, flavorings, medicines, or medical or dental procedures (systemic contact dermatitis).
A person may become sensitized to a strong allergen such as poison ivy after a single exposure. Weaker allergens may require multiple exposures over several years to trigger an allergy. Once you develop an allergy to a substance, even small amounts of that substance can cause a reaction.
Common allergens that cause allergic contact dermatitis are:
- Nickel which is used in jewelry, buckles, and many other items.
- Medications, such as antibiotic creams and oral antihistamines.
- Balsam Peru, which is contained in many products. Such as perfumes, cosmetics, medicines, and mouthwash.
- Formaldehyde which is found in preservatives, disinfectants, and clothing.
- Personal care products, such as deodorant, body wash, hair dye, cosmetics, and nail polish.
- Plants such as poison ivy and mango which contain an allergy-causing substance or oil (urushiol).
- Airborne substances, such as powder from insecticide sprays.
- Products that cause a reaction when exposed to sunlight (photoallergic contact dermatitis), such as some sunscreens and oral medications.
Risk Factors for Contact Dermatitis
Some jobs and hobbies can put a person at higher risk of developing contact dermatitis, including:
- Health and dental care employees.
- Construction worker.
- Metal worker.
- Hairdressers and make-up artists, because they are often exposed to water, are at risk of developing irritant contact dermatitis on their hands.
- Mechanics.
- Divers or swimmers, due to exposure to the rubber on their face masks or goggles.
- Cleaning service.
- Gardeners and agricultural workers.
- Cooks and other jobs related to food.
Diagnosis of Contact Dermatitis
The doctor will diagnose contact dermatitis by conducting a medical interview, physical examination, and supporting examinations, such as:
- Allergy skin test. Allergy skin tests can be done by prick test or patch test. Patch test is done by attaching paper containing several allergens to identify the cause of allergic contact dermatitis. After two days, the paper is removed and the skin reaction is checked.
- ROAT test or irritation test. In this test, sufferers will be asked to apply a certain substance to the same part of the skin, twice a day, for 5 to 10 days, to see how their skin reacts.
Contact Dermatitis Treatment
Some ways that can be done to treat contact dermatitis include:
- Avoid exposure to substances that cause irritation or allergies to the skin.
- Stop using products that contain substances that trigger irritation or allergies.
- Use a skin moisturizer.
- Compress the area of contact dermatitis with a cold compress.
- Avoid scratching the skin area that has contact dermatitis.
- Protect hands by using gloves if necessary.
- Taking corticosteroid drugs, either in ointment or tablet form.
- Immunosuppressive therapy, which is the administration of drugs that suppress the immune system, to reduce inflammation.
- Phototherapy. This medical procedure is done by using UV light exposure to help restore the appearance of skin affected by contact dermatitis.
Contact Dermatitis Medication Recommendations
There are several medications that can be used to treat the symptoms of contact dermatitis, including:
- Apolar 0.5 mg/g Cream 10 g. With the content of desonide contained in this drug can be used as an anti-inflammatory. This drug is also indicated to treat contact dermatitis skin conditions.
- Amtocort 4 mg 10 Tablets. The triamcinolone content in this drug can be used to treat various types of dermatitis including contact dermatitis. This drug works by treating allergic conditions and inflammatory reactions.
- Hydrocortisone Cream 2.5% 5 g. In the form of a cream, this medicine can overcome inflammation, redness, and itching of the skin caused by contact dermatitis.
- Faridexon Forte 0.75 mg 10 Caplets . With dexamethasone content, this drug is used for therapy against contact dermatitis.
- Dermacoid Cream 10 g. Can be used to treat skin disorders such as contact dermatitis or skin conditions that experience inflammation and allergies.
Complications of Contact Dermatitis
Some complications caused by contact dermatitis include:
- Skin infections due to bacteria or fungi.
- Neurodermatitis due to continuous scratching of the skin.
- Quality of life decreases because contact dermatitis symptoms interfere with sufferers’ daily activities.
Prevention of Contact Dermatitis
Here are some efforts that can be made to prevent contact dermatitis:
- Avoid irritants and allergens. Try to identify and avoid substances that irritate your skin or cause allergic reactions.
- Wash your skin. You can remove most of the substance that causes your rash if you wash your skin immediately after contact with it. Use a mild, fragrance-free soap, warm water, and rinse thoroughly.
- Wash clothing or other items that may have come into contact with plant allergens.
- Wear protective clothing or gloves. Face masks, goggles, gloves, and other protective items can protect us from irritating substances. This includes household cleaning fluids.
- Use a cover to cover metal that comes into contact with your skin. This can prevent exposure from metal buttons or zippers on jeans.
- Apply a skin protectant cream or gel. These products can protect sensitive skin.
- Use moisturizer. Applying lotion or moisturizer regularly can help restore the outer layer of skin and keep skin smooth.
- Be careful around pets. Allergens from plants can stick to pets and then spread to humans.
If you have sensitive skin, do a spot test with any new product. You can apply a new skin product to one spot on your arm. Cover the area, and do not expose it to water or soap. Check for a reaction after 48 to 96 hours of application. If there is any redness or irritation, do not use the product.
When to See a Doctor?
If you have taken preventive measures, but contact dermatitis still occurs and interferes with daily activities, immediately ask a doctor.
