Allergic contact dermatitis

Allergic contact dermatitis is an allergic reaction of the skin following contact with a substance (allergen) that has stimulated an immunological response. As a result of contact, allergic eczema will cause the skin to become inflamed, itchy and potentially blistered.

Description

Allergic contact dermatitis is the reaction of the skin to a chemical or naturally occuring allergen. It causes the sudden inflammation of the skin, which becomes red and itchy. Serum-filled vesicles may then form and, if scratched and broken, the serum congeals as a sticky crust on the skin. Scratching and breaking the blisters can lead to infection.

Causes

Allergic contact dermatitis can be caused by contact with chemical or environmental allergens. Formerly, these could include certain metals, dyes, resins or preservatives, while the latter can include oils and the pollen of plants and flowers.

Symptoms

Generally, allergic contact dermatitis causes a sudden dermatologic reaction that is characterized by red patches, blisters, scaling, abrasions and scabs. The rash causes varying degrees of itching and burning sensations, which will often make the person want to scratch insistently.

Diagnosis

In cases of allergic dermatitis, the dermatologist can check for allergies through the patch test. By applying traces of purified allergens to the skin, the patch test identifies the substances that cause reaction.

Treatment

Immediate treatment of allergic contact dermatitis involves first identifying the substance that caused it and removing it from the skin.
Symptoms of eczema can be eased by applying a cortisone-based cream.

Prevention

The only prevention against allergic dermatitis is to avoid contact with allergens as soon as they have been identified.
Some guidelines to soothe symptoms and speed up healing are: avoiding overly frequent bathing and washing, as over-cleaning and the use of soaps will gradually deplete the skin of the outer layers that protect it; drying the skin gently, blotting excess moisture rather than rubbing it off; moisturizing dry skin with gentle, unscented creams, and avoiding spray deodorants and perfumes.