Contact Dermatitis (CD) is a prevalent inflammatory skin condition caused by chemical and environmental factors. According to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology, 15% to 20% of people have this condition, and some believe its severe form can lead to Skin Cancer if not treated earlier.

Since it affects many people, recognizing its symptoms, and causes and exploring treatments is crucial to preventing or controlling the condition. This article will disclose everything you need to know about Contact Dermatitis and how you can use its management tips to ensure a safe life. 

What is Contact Dermatitis?

As the name suggests, Contact Dermatitis is a skin condition in which the body becomes irritated when it comes in contact with a substance that triggers an allergic reaction. It can cause a rash in the affected region and may also show other symptoms, such as itchiness, swelling, and a burning sensation. There are two main types of CDs, which are discussed in the following sections of the article.

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Types of Contact Dermatitis

There are two types of CD, depending upon the factors causing it:

Irritant Contact Dermatitis

Irritant Contact Dermatitis (ICD) is caused by skin barrier disruption and the body’s activation of innate immunity (nonspecific) responses. It is the most prevalent form and accounts for up to 80% of CD cases. Various environmental factors damage the skin barrier and lead to severe symptoms.

Allergic Contact Dermatitis

Allergic Contact Dermatitis (ACD) is another type of CD that occurs when the skin is exposed to a substance that activates a short-term autoimmune response. It is a delayed hypersensitive response to external irritants, typically two to three days after exposure to the allergens.

Did you know?
ICD is the most common occupational skin disease, affecting workers of all ages, accounting for up to 50-80% of cases. This number is five times more frequent than ACD.

What does Contact Dermatitis look like?

Contact Dermatitis rash looks like the following in different locations:

  • Contact Dermatitis on the face: On the face, CD may look like a rash or blisters. Cosmetics are one of the main causes of it. Sometimes, in severe cases, it can be filled with fluid that oozes out
  • On the lips: CD on the lips is called Cheilitis. The lips may remain chapped (dry) despite using various balms or creams. Lip cosmetics in women and toothpaste in men can cause it
  • On the scalp: The CD on the scalp may cause rash, redness, and itchiness. Hair colorant is one of the main causes of it. Buy Nizral Shampoo 2% shampoo for fast recovery now
  • Contact Dermatitis on hands: It causes dry hands with rashes and itchiness
  • Eyelid: CD on the eyelids happens when your eyelids come in contact with a substance that triggers allergic reactions. It turns your eyes red

Contact Dermatitis symptoms

Rashes on hand
Rashes on hand

The symptoms of CD may vary from person to person depending on their condition, type of CD, and severity of the condition. Some of the common CD symptoms experienced by people having ACD and ICD are as follows:

  • An itchy rash that lasts for 2-4 weeks
  • Scaly or flaky
  • Hives
  • Light skin turning red
  • Dark skin turning purple, gray, or brown
  • Hyperpigmented patches
  • Swelling
  • Burning sensation
  • Painful or stinging
  • Bumps or blisters
  • Oozing fluid or pus
  • Ulcerations
  • Stiff skin
  • Extreme dryness and skin cracking
  • Skin burn
  • Sun sensitivity and irritation from sunscreen
  • Skin discoloration

What causes Contact Dermatitis?

Irritant Contact Dermatitis can be caused by both exogenous and endogenous factors. Some of the most common causes of ICD are as follows:

  • Skin irritants: Some skin irritants, including oils, soaps, detergents, and solvents, account for wet work. People at a higher risk of wet work are cleaners, butchers, healthcare workers, beauticians, and cooks
  • Mechanical factors: These include occlusion (blockage of blood vessels), pressure, vibration, and friction. The use of gloves can create a humid and occlusive environment, elevating irritation
  • Environmental factors: Some causes of ICD include environmental factors, including heat, humidity, sweating, and cold, which can cause skin irritation
  • Age: Sensitivity of the skin to irritants decreases with age. With increasing ages, differences in microcirculatory efficiency and percutaneous penetration (a passive process when skin is exposed to chemicals) cause slower and less intense responses to irritants
  • Sex: The risks of ICD are more common in women as compared to men. Irrespective of any biological causes, women are more exposed to the irritants and, thus, more likely to develop ICD
Warning
The skin condition can spread from one to other parts of the body. Therefore, if you are uncertain about what is causing skin irritation, consult a dermatologist promptly. Based on your medical history, the doctor can help you identify potential irritants and provide the best treatment options.

The most common causes of ACD include the following:

  • Metals such as Nickel, Chromium, Cobalt
  • Balsam of Peru
  • Thiomercel, Formaldehyde
  • Plants, such as Poison Ivy, poison oak, Parthenium
  • Skin care products like cosmetics, fragrance
  • Medications, including Antibiotics
  • Chemical products

Complications of Contact Dermatitis

Some complications of CD are as follows:

  • Infection: Untreated severe CD can lead to infection in the affected area. It usually happens due to continuous scratching of that place, causing it to become wounded and oozing
  • Angioedema: It is the swelling in the skin
  • Hives: It may appear like discolored, raised, and itchy skin
  • Skin Cancer: Some research evidence suggests that chronic ACD can elevate the risks of developing Skin Cancer when exposed to carcinogens
  • Anaphylaxis: It is an acute allergic reaction and can be fatal without treatment. However, it is uncommon in CD

Prevention for CD

You can prevent Contact Dermatitis with the following steps:

  • Try to identify and avoid the irritants, such as Nickel
  • Wash your hands regularly to remove the rash-causing substances, such as Poison Ivy or Poison Oak
  • Regularly apply moisturizers or skin lotions to recover the outermost skin layer
  • Always use a mild or fragrance-free and dye-free soap, moisturizers, and lotions. Do not use perfumes if you are allergic to them
  • Always wear protective gloves, masks, and goggles to stay safe from irritant substances
  • For body or ear piercings, use hypoallergenic materials (Gold)
  • Apply a protective skin barrier cream or gel, such as a nonprescription ivy block (contains Bentoquatam)
  • Apply covers over the metal fasteners in clothes

Treatment for Contact Dermatitis

The treatment for CD includes prescribed medications, topical creams, gels, and ointments. Further, some home remedies and self-care management options are also available and tailored to prevent the severity of the skin condition.

Here are the top CD treatments to alleviate uncomfortable and painful symptoms:

Medications

The best medications for treating CD are as follows:

  • Systemic Steroids: These medications are given if the rash caused by CD is severe. It can be taken orally or given by injections. The medicine can show rapid improvement if the dose is taken as prescribed
  • Oral Antihistamines: These oral medicines, such as Diphenhydramine, can make you sleep better. Some side effects include difficulty in urination, dryness, dizziness, and less coordination
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Further, the best cream for Contact Dermatitis includes the following:

  • Topical Steroids: These are anti-inflammatory topical creams that control your rash. These are recommended to apply 1-2 times a day or as your doctor prescribes
  • Topical Antibiotics: Antibiotics are prescribed when there are open wounds and risks of bacterial infections. However, these must be applied only under a doctor’s prescription
  • Topical Immunomodulators: These are anti-inflammatory treatment options recommended for both ICD and ACD

In some cases, if the rash is not treated with the above medication, your doctor may recommend phototherapy for effective results.

Home remedies for CD

Some effective home remedies for treating skin diseases are as follows:

  • Coconut oil: The oil has natural moisturizing properties and can limit the growth of skin bacteria
  • Vitamin E: The vitamin can give relief against itching and inflammation caused by CD
  • Honey: It has antibacterial and antiseptic properties
  • Lukewarm baths: Bath is soothing and can relieve pain
  • Minimize exposure to irritants: Do not get excessive exposure to your skin irritants

Contact Dermatitis self-care

Some self-care management tips to treat or prevent CD are as follows:

  • Identify your skin irritants and try to avoid them and products that contain them
  • Always use a barrier repair cream or moisturizer after washing
  • Do not scratch the rash, even if it is itchy. Rather, use a cool compress for 15-30 minutes, anti-itch medications, ointments, or running cold water to relieve itching
  • In people with oozing rashes, use Calamine, oatmeal baths, and Burrow’s solution (Aluminium Triacetate)
  • Wash new clothes before wearing them to remove the chemical dyes and residues that can trigger an allergic reaction
  • Use barrier socks for foot dermatitis
  • For hand dermatitis, avoid washing hands excessively
  • Protect your skin from sunburns. Use sunscreen for relief

Conclusion

Contact Dermatitis (CD) is a skin condition caused by various chemical and environmental factors. There are two types of CD: allergic and irritant. Both types have common symptoms, including rash, itchiness, pain, hives, and swelling. If the condition persists for longer and is left without treatment, it can lead to severe infection. 

Therefore, it is important to prevent the condition and control its severity. Several oral and topical medications, home remedies, and self-care tips are available to treat it faster and ensure a safe recovery. Consult a healthcare practitioner promptly if you experience CD and get personalized treatment soon.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the three signs of Contact Dermatitis?

There are many signs of CD, such as scaly and flaky rash, itchiness, pain, hives, and swelling. It can also cause a burning sensation, bumps or blisters, oozing fluid, stiff skin, sun sensitivity, skin burn, and Hyperpigmentation. Consult your doctor if you experience these symptoms promptly to seek treatment.

Can Contact Dermatitis be cured?

CD can be treated with medications and special care. Topical creams, gels, and ointments can relieve the itching and control the rash. Avoid any irritants that exacerbate the symptoms. Use a cool compress, a lukewarm water bath, and barrier socks to prevent CD.

What are Contact Dermatitis healing stages?

It may take 1-2 weeks for the Contact Dermatitis rash to be completely treated. In the healing process, an individual with this skin condition may feel relieved from pain, itchiness, and coloration. The rash may start getting treated and less uncomfortable in the affected area.

How long can Contact Dermatitis last?

The rash caused by CD may take 2-4 weeks to heal. With proper treatment, it may be treated within 1-2 weeks in some individuals. It is recommended to use the prescribed medications for faster recovery and to minimize the risks of recurrent CD.

Is Contact Dermatitis contagious?

No, the CD is not contagious. It is an itchy rash caused by coming in direct contact with an irritant, which causes an allergic reaction. Some of the irritants include metals, plants, fragrances, etc.

How do you get rid of Contact Dermatitis?

You can eliminate Contact Dermatitis with oral medication, such as oral Antihistamines. Some topical creams, gels, and ointments, such as topical steroids, Immunomodulators, and antibiotics, are also prescribed for faster recovery and relief. Consult your doctor today.

What triggers Contact Dermatitis?

The skin condition can be triggered by metals such as Nickel, Chromium, and Cobalt. Some plants, such as Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, and Parthenium, can also cause CD. Further, skin care products like cosmetics, fragrances, medications, and chemicals can also exacerbate the symptoms.

Citations:
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