Allergic Contact Dermatitis

Allergic contact dermatitis is a skin reaction causing redness, itching, and inflammation after contact with an allergen.

Key Information

Allergic contact dermatitis is usually caused when the skin comes in contact with a triggering substance or ingredient, which reacts with an allergic skin reaction.

While it can affect anyone, this type of skin condition is commonly seen in individuals with sensitive or reactive skin. Visible signs of allergic contact dermatitis range from dryness, irritation, to itching and redness, and even blisters.

Primary treatment involves immediately stopping the usage of the product to help heal the skin naturally. Other measures include switching to gentle, fragrance-free skincare items. If the allergic reaction escalates in spite of self-care, it is recommended to seek expert treatment at the earliest.

Also Known As

  • Contact hypersensitivity
  • contact eczema
  • contact allergy
atopic-dermatitis Also Known as

Causes

Chemicals in skincare products

Certain perfumes, soaps, shampoos, etc, often include harsh chemicals and fragrances that can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive skin with inflammation.

Latex and rubber products

Individuals who frequently use gloves, elastic materials, bands, etc, may often face contact dermatitis, experiencing redness and irritation.

Plants and natural allergens

Plants such as poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac, etc, contain an oil called urushiol that can trigger itchy rashes upon contact.

Medications and antibiotic creams

Antibiotic creams may contain certain medicinal ingredients, such as neomycin, which may not be safe for everyone, as they can trigger allergic contact dermatitis in sensitive skin.

Metals and jewellery

Jewellery items usually have cobalt or nickel, and sometimes belt buckles, and clothing hardware can cause itching and rashes, particularly upon repeated contact.
Acne Vulgaris Causes

Common Symptoms

  • Redness and inflammation: The inflamed area of the skin appears red and produces rashes upon constant itching and irritation.

  • Dryness and scaling: After repeated exposure, the skin becomes rough, dry, scaly, or cracked, causing more sensitivity, discomfort, and risks of escalation.

  • Blisters or bumps: Small bumps or fluid may be produced due to frequent itching, wherein the blisters may ooze before dryness/healing, and crusts are produced.

  • Itching or burning sensation: As the itching and discomfort worsen, a burning sensation is produced, which impacts everyday life.

  • Swelling and tenderness: The affected area of the skin may swell up or feel tender, making the area feel warm or tight due to the inflammatory response.

Acne Vulgaris affects

Who It Affects

Allergic contact dermatitis can affect people of any age, including infants, children, and the elderly. However, the most common cases are observed in those with sensitive skin or a medical history of allergies.

Furthermore, individuals who are frequently exposed to allergens, such as metals, chemical products, or contaminated objects. People with existing skin conditions may also be prone to allergic contact dermatitis due to their poor skin barrier.

Types of Contact Dermatitis

Generally, Contact Dermatitis is of two types, Allergic Contact Dermatitis and Irritant Contact Dermatitis.

  • Allergic Contact Dermatitis (ACD): Often occurs when the immune system is triggered and reacts to a certain type of allergen upon repeated contact. Signs include itching, redness, or inflammation.

  • Irritant Contact Dermatitis (ICD): Caused when the skin barrier becomes weak and damaged upon repeated exposure to harsh substances, causing dryness, burning and irritation.

When to see a dermatologist

It is recommended to consult a dermatologist if your skin condition does not improve upon stopping the usage of the specific product that triggered the reaction. If there is severe itching, swelling, rashes, or a burning sensation, professional allergic contact dermatitis treatment is crucial. Early diagnosis can help identify the exact cause and access the right treatment for lasting recovery.

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