Is inflammation of the upper layers of the skin, causing itching, blisters, redness, swelling, and often oozing, scabbing, and scaling.
Known causes include contact with a particular substance, certain drugs, varicose veins, constant scratching, and fungal infection.
Typical symptoms include a red itchy rash, blisters, pimples, open sores, oozing, crusting, and scaling.
The diagnosis is typically based on symptoms and confirmed by results of patch tests or skin samples or the presence of suspected drugs, irritants, or infection.
Avoiding known irritants and allergens reduces the risk of dermatitis.
Treatment depends on the cause and the specific symptoms.
Dermatitis is a broad term covering many different disorders that all result in a red, itchy rash. The term eczema is sometimes used for dermatitis. Some types of dermatitis affect only specific parts of the body, whereas others can occur anywhere. Some types of dermatitis have a known cause, whereas others do not. However, dermatitis is always the skin's way of reacting to severe dryness, scratching, an irritating substance, or an allergen. Typically, that substance comes in direct contact with the skin, but sometimes the substance is swallowed. In all cases, continuous scratching and rubbing may eventually lead to thickening and hardening of the skin.
Dermatitis may be a brief reaction to a substance. In such cases it may produce symptoms, such as itching and redness, for just a few hours or for only a day or two. Chronic dermatitis persists over a period of time. The hands and feet are particularly vulnerable to chronic dermatitis, because the hands are in frequent contact with many foreign substances and the feet are in the warm, moist conditions created by socks and shoes that favor fungal growth.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Contact Dermatitis.
Contact dermatitis is skin inflammation caused by direct contact with a particular substance. The rash is very itchy, is confined to a specific area, and often has clearly defined boundaries.
Contact Dermatitis
Substances can cause skin inflammation by one of two mechanisms—irritation (irritant contact dermatitis) or allergic reaction (allergic contact dermatitis).
Irritant contact dermatitis, which accounts for 80% of all cases of contact dermatitis, occurs when a chemical substance causes direct damage to the skin; symptoms are more painful than itchy. Typical irritating substances are acids, alkalis (such as drain cleaners), solvents (such as acetone in nail polish remover), strong soaps, and plants (such as poinsettias and peppers). Some of these chemicals cause skin changes within a few minutes, whereas others require longer exposure. People vary in the sensitivity of their skin to irritants. Even very mild soaps and detergents may irritate the skin of some people after frequent or prolonged contact.
Allergic contact dermatitis is a reaction by the body's immune system to a substance contacting the skin. Sometimes a person can be sensitized by only one exposure, and other times sensitization occurs only after many exposures to a substance. After a person is sensitized, the next exposure causes itching and dermatitis within 4 to 24 hours, although some people, particularly older people, do not develop a reaction for 3 to 4 days.
Thousands of substances can result in allergic contact dermatitis. The most common include substances found in plants such as poison ivy, rubber (latex), antibiotics, fragrances, preservatives, and some metals (such as nickel and cobalt). About 10% of women are allergic to nickel, a common component of jewelry. People may use (or be exposed to) substances for years without a problem, then suddenly develop an allergic reaction. Even ointments, creams, and lotions used to treat dermatitis can cause such a reaction. People may also develop dermatitis from many of the materials they touch while at work (occupational dermatitis).
Sometimes contact dermatitis results only after a person touches certain substances and then exposes the skin to sunlight (photoallergic or phototoxic contact dermatitis). Such substances include sunscreens, aftershave lotions, certain perfumes, antibiotics.
Contact Dermatitis
Substances can cause skin inflammation by one of two mechanisms—irritation (irritant contact dermatitis) or allergic reaction (allergic contact dermatitis).
Irritant contact dermatitis, which accounts for 80% of all cases of contact dermatitis, occurs when a chemical substance causes direct damage to the skin; symptoms are more painful than itchy. Typical irritating substances are acids, alkalis (such as drain cleaners), solvents (such as acetone in nail polish remover), strong soaps, and plants (such as poinsettias and peppers). Some of these chemicals cause skin changes within a few minutes, whereas others require longer exposure. People vary in the sensitivity of their skin to irritants. Even very mild soaps and detergents may irritate the skin of some people after frequent or prolonged contact.
Allergic contact dermatitis is a reaction by the body's immune system to a substance contacting the skin. Sometimes a person can be sensitized by only one exposure, and other times sensitization occurs only after many exposures to a substance. After a person is sensitized, the next exposure causes itching and dermatitis within 4 to 24 hours, although some people, particularly older people, do not develop a reaction for 3 to 4 days.
Thousands of substances can result in allergic contact dermatitis. The most common include substances found in plants such as poison ivy, rubber (latex), antibiotics, fragrances, preservatives, and some metals (such as nickel and cobalt). About 10% of women are allergic to nickel, a common component of jewelry. People may use (or be exposed to) substances for years without a problem, then suddenly develop an allergic reaction. Even ointments, creams, and lotions used to treat dermatitis can cause such a reaction. People may also develop dermatitis from many of the materials they touch while at work (occupational dermatitis).
Sometimes contact dermatitis results only after a person touches certain substances and then exposes the skin to sunlight (photoallergic or phototoxic contact dermatitis). Such substances include sunscreens, aftershave lotions, certain perfumes, antibiotics.
Chronic dermatitis .
May represent a contact, fungal, or other dermatitis that has been inadequately diagnosed or treated, or it may be one of several chronic skin disorders of unknown origin. Because chronic dermatitis produces cracks and blisters in the skin, any type of chronic dermatitis may lead to bacterial infection.
Allergic dermatitis .
Dermatitis is a wide-spread occupational disease. Two common forms of dermatitis, normally seen in the workplace, are allergic dermatitis and contact (irritant) dermatitis. These conditions comprise up to 15% to 20% of all reported occupational diseases in this nation. Dermatitis is extremely prevalent because there are many agents which can trigger a dermatological reaction. These reactions can take the form of rashes, itchiness, or hives.
Contact dermatitis is the most common occupational skin disease and is often the result of reactions to chemical solvents. Allergic dermatitis can also be triggered by a wide variety of substances, including latex and pesticides. A person may become allergic to a material after a brief exposure or it may take many years to develop. Hives (contact urticaria) can result from either irritants or allergens. Contact dermatitis can often be distinguished from allergic dermatitis by its irregular skin configurations and by the fact that it is more likely to cause localized reactions such as itching and redness on the exposed skin.
A number of substances may induce both contact and allergic dermatitis. An example of this is latex gloves. Although latex commonly causes contact dermatitis, it may also trigger allergic dermatitis and hives. The proteins responsible for latex allergies have been shown to be present in the powder used on some types of gloves.
Causes
It is often very difficult to determine the specific cause of an episode of allergic or contact dermatitis. Many people are highly sensitive to specific types of chemicals in foods, cosmetics, medications, and perfumes. Some foods seem to cause hives to a greater extent than others. These include nuts, chocolate, fish, tomatoes, eggs, berries, and milk. Sometimes additives and preservatives in the food may be responsible for the hives. Hives can also result from physical agents such as vibration, sunlight, cold pressure, and exercise. Contact dermatitis can be caused by a great number of substances including cleaning chemicals, nickel dust, adhesives, and epoxy resins.
Prevention
The most effective method of dealing with any type of dermatitis risk is through prevention. The substitution of hazardous chemicals with safer materials, whenever possible, will greatly decrease the risk of dermatitis. This may involve modifications in procedures but can often be accomplished through direct substitution. The second line of defense against dermatitis is the use of protective equipment and barrier creams. It is important to always wear gloves (powder-free, if possible) and a lab coat when working with any potentially irritating material.
It is also a good idea to wash skin with mild soap before and after wearing gloves and to keep the work place as clean as possible. Avoid handling any chemical if cuts or scrapes are present on hands or forearms.
If contact with an irritating substance does occur, immediately wash the substance off of the skin with mild soap and water. Anti-inflammatory creams may also be applied if they are available. If the case is severe, a personal physician will generally prescribe anti-histamines or oral cortisone to relieve the itching.
Report any cases of occupationally related skin reactions to the Department of Environmental Health and Safety at once. If the causative agent is not immediately apparent try to consider what may have contributed to the reaction. Areas to investigate include new foods, cosmetics, medications, or perfumes. Environmental clues may include unusual smells, a new chemical, cleaning fluid, or powder in the work area, or the arrival of new furniture or rugs. The Department of Environmental Health and Safety has a developed a dermatitis questionnaire designed to aid in the identification of the source of the irritation.
Contact dermatitis is the most common occupational skin disease and is often the result of reactions to chemical solvents. Allergic dermatitis can also be triggered by a wide variety of substances, including latex and pesticides. A person may become allergic to a material after a brief exposure or it may take many years to develop. Hives (contact urticaria) can result from either irritants or allergens. Contact dermatitis can often be distinguished from allergic dermatitis by its irregular skin configurations and by the fact that it is more likely to cause localized reactions such as itching and redness on the exposed skin.
A number of substances may induce both contact and allergic dermatitis. An example of this is latex gloves. Although latex commonly causes contact dermatitis, it may also trigger allergic dermatitis and hives. The proteins responsible for latex allergies have been shown to be present in the powder used on some types of gloves.
Causes
It is often very difficult to determine the specific cause of an episode of allergic or contact dermatitis. Many people are highly sensitive to specific types of chemicals in foods, cosmetics, medications, and perfumes. Some foods seem to cause hives to a greater extent than others. These include nuts, chocolate, fish, tomatoes, eggs, berries, and milk. Sometimes additives and preservatives in the food may be responsible for the hives. Hives can also result from physical agents such as vibration, sunlight, cold pressure, and exercise. Contact dermatitis can be caused by a great number of substances including cleaning chemicals, nickel dust, adhesives, and epoxy resins.
Prevention
The most effective method of dealing with any type of dermatitis risk is through prevention. The substitution of hazardous chemicals with safer materials, whenever possible, will greatly decrease the risk of dermatitis. This may involve modifications in procedures but can often be accomplished through direct substitution. The second line of defense against dermatitis is the use of protective equipment and barrier creams. It is important to always wear gloves (powder-free, if possible) and a lab coat when working with any potentially irritating material.
It is also a good idea to wash skin with mild soap before and after wearing gloves and to keep the work place as clean as possible. Avoid handling any chemical if cuts or scrapes are present on hands or forearms.
If contact with an irritating substance does occur, immediately wash the substance off of the skin with mild soap and water. Anti-inflammatory creams may also be applied if they are available. If the case is severe, a personal physician will generally prescribe anti-histamines or oral cortisone to relieve the itching.
Report any cases of occupationally related skin reactions to the Department of Environmental Health and Safety at once. If the causative agent is not immediately apparent try to consider what may have contributed to the reaction. Areas to investigate include new foods, cosmetics, medications, or perfumes. Environmental clues may include unusual smells, a new chemical, cleaning fluid, or powder in the work area, or the arrival of new furniture or rugs. The Department of Environmental Health and Safety has a developed a dermatitis questionnaire designed to aid in the identification of the source of the irritation.
Determining the cause of contact dermatitis .
Once the diagnosis of contact dermatitis is suspected, it is important to challenge your skin in a process referred to as patch testing. Patch testing is performed in the office setting. Dr. Harvey and Dr. Hardy will apply various strengths of topical compounds to the skin. He will then assess the tested areas in 48 hours to see if a localized skin rash develops. Once an allergen or irritant has been identified, Dr. Harvey and Dr. Hardy will review with you the sources of these agents. In this way you may practice avoidance techniques to help to minimize your risk of developing new skin reactions.
Determining the cause of contact dermatitis is not always easy. The person's occupation, hobbies, household duties, vacations, clothing, topical drug use, cosmetics, and household members' activities must be considered. Most people are unaware of all the substances that touch their skin. Often, the location of the initial rash is an important clue, particularly if it occurs under an item of clothing or jewelry or only in areas exposed to sunlight. However, many substances that people touch with their hands are unknowingly transferred to the face, where the more sensitive facial skin may react even if the hands do not.
Contact dermatitis occurs in two forms. The irritant form is more common and results from an exposure to a substance that is toxic to the skin and initiates the inflammatory reaction. This could be a chemical or even a cream, cosmetic or lotion. The other form is allergic in origin. This may refer to the poison ivy, oak or sumac. Beside these common plants, in teens, allergic contact dermatitis may be due to nickel jewelry, preservatives and topical antibiotics.
Determining the cause of contact dermatitis is not always easy. The person's occupation, hobbies, household duties, vacations, clothing, topical drug use, cosmetics, and household members' activities must be considered. Most people are unaware of all the substances that touch their skin. Often, the location of the initial rash is an important clue, particularly if it occurs under an item of clothing or jewelry or only in areas exposed to sunlight. However, many substances that people touch with their hands are unknowingly transferred to the face, where the more sensitive facial skin may react even if the hands do not.
Contact dermatitis occurs in two forms. The irritant form is more common and results from an exposure to a substance that is toxic to the skin and initiates the inflammatory reaction. This could be a chemical or even a cream, cosmetic or lotion. The other form is allergic in origin. This may refer to the poison ivy, oak or sumac. Beside these common plants, in teens, allergic contact dermatitis may be due to nickel jewelry, preservatives and topical antibiotics.
Сause of contact dermatitis.
Dermatitis is a broad term covering many different disorders that all result in a red, itchy rash. The term eczema is sometimes used for dermatitis. Some types of dermatitis affect only specific parts of the body, whereas others can occur anywhere. Some types of dermatitis have a known cause, whereas others do not. However, dermatitis is always the skin's way of reacting to severe dryness, scratching, an irritating substance, or an allergen. Typically, that substance comes in direct contact with the skin, but sometimes the substance is swallowed.
Contact Dermatitis is an inflammation (reddening) of the skin. It is caused by contact with a substance such as soap or chemicals. The dermatitis may ... be caused by contact with plants, such as poison ivy, poison oak, and ragweed.
This type of Dermatitis occurs with an allergen such as poison ivy or an irritant such as skin soap. Signs and symptoms include redness and itching. In severe cases, you may have blisters and weeping sores. The skin changes in contact Dermatitis are limited to where you had contact with the allergen or irritant.
Should you develop a contact dermatitis, see your dermatologist for relief. He/she can perform a patch test to determine the irritating substance. If you suspect a nickel allergy, it is a good idea to have the dermatologist test for nickel sensitivity when considering having ears pierced. In any case, the piercing should be done with a stainless-steel needle. As a further precaution, stainless-steel or high-quality 18 karat gold studs should be worn as the first pair of earrings. Nickel sensitivity often does not result in a rash for weeks or months after contact with the metal.
Contact Dermatitis is an inflammation (reddening) of the skin. It is caused by contact with a substance such as soap or chemicals. The dermatitis may ... be caused by contact with plants, such as poison ivy, poison oak, and ragweed.
This type of Dermatitis occurs with an allergen such as poison ivy or an irritant such as skin soap. Signs and symptoms include redness and itching. In severe cases, you may have blisters and weeping sores. The skin changes in contact Dermatitis are limited to where you had contact with the allergen or irritant.
Should you develop a contact dermatitis, see your dermatologist for relief. He/she can perform a patch test to determine the irritating substance. If you suspect a nickel allergy, it is a good idea to have the dermatologist test for nickel sensitivity when considering having ears pierced. In any case, the piercing should be done with a stainless-steel needle. As a further precaution, stainless-steel or high-quality 18 karat gold studs should be worn as the first pair of earrings. Nickel sensitivity often does not result in a rash for weeks or months after contact with the metal.
Treatment of contact dermatitis.
Contact dermatitis consists of a skin inflammation caused by the skin coming in contact with certain substances, resulting in a red itchy rash. The substances that cause this condition vary from person to person and they can include soap, jewellery, detergents, or weeds. This skin condition is neither contagious nor life-threatening.
Contact dermatitis treatment starts by first learning to recogaize the triggers and effectively avoid them or at least reduce exposure to them. Once you come in contact with these substances for a period of time the rash will reappear. There are two types of contact dermatitis: allergic and irritant. With allergens you only need a small amount f of them to trigger the rash; with irritants, some more exposure is needed.
To find relief from redness and itching, your doctor may suggest the use of topical treatment, such as hydrocortisone creams, topical steroid creams and emollients. When the symptoms are severe, you may need to tackle the condition with the help of corticosteroids and antihistamines.
In any case, while in a contact dermatitis treatment, it is important that you avoid scratching. You can relive the itching by applying wet compresses on the affected area. If you still scratch it, you can cause an infection, and antibiotic treatment will be needed.
Going to a doctor is a must. A doctor will help you guide you trough treatment, but most importantly, will help you get an accurate diagnose of your type of dermatitis. A physical examination usually takes place, but if this is not enough to determine the exact condition, you'll need to do a patch test. These are patches that contain small doses of allergens, and help isolate the trigger.
Contact dermatitis treatment starts by first learning to recogaize the triggers and effectively avoid them or at least reduce exposure to them. Once you come in contact with these substances for a period of time the rash will reappear. There are two types of contact dermatitis: allergic and irritant. With allergens you only need a small amount f of them to trigger the rash; with irritants, some more exposure is needed.
To find relief from redness and itching, your doctor may suggest the use of topical treatment, such as hydrocortisone creams, topical steroid creams and emollients. When the symptoms are severe, you may need to tackle the condition with the help of corticosteroids and antihistamines.
In any case, while in a contact dermatitis treatment, it is important that you avoid scratching. You can relive the itching by applying wet compresses on the affected area. If you still scratch it, you can cause an infection, and antibiotic treatment will be needed.
Going to a doctor is a must. A doctor will help you guide you trough treatment, but most importantly, will help you get an accurate diagnose of your type of dermatitis. A physical examination usually takes place, but if this is not enough to determine the exact condition, you'll need to do a patch test. These are patches that contain small doses of allergens, and help isolate the trigger.
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