Contact Dermatitis

Contact Dermatitis is a skin irritation that is caused by a part of the body touching an a substance to which you are allergic. This type of rash can either occur shortly after contact has been made with allergen (hence the name), or it can take a couple days to make itself known. The rash produced by Contact Dermatitis in most cases is not life threatening, but it can be an uncomfortable annoyance for two to four weeks.

Symptoms

• Red, rashy skin
• Itching
• Dry, flakey and cracked skin
• Blisters
• A burning sensation and rawness

Causes

Contact Dermatitis is caused by direct contact with allergen, which results in a reaction on the skin. The following is a list of common substances that can cause individuals to experience Contact Dermatitis:

• Cosmetics
• Rubbing alcohols
• Plants
• Airborne allergens like saw dust
• Nickel
• Tattoos
• Medications

Risk Factors

The individuals who are at the most risk for developing Contact Dermatitis are those who experience allergic reactions to everyday items as they are frequently exposed to an unwanted substance.

Treatment

The best thing that can be done when faced with Contact Dermatitis is to avoid the allergen that caused the symptoms, if possible. To ease the discomfort, there are specific medicinal creams designed to combat the itchiness of rashes, which can be obtained both over or under the counter. If the problem is extremely severe, a doctor may prescribe an oral dose of medication to combat any bacterial infections that may be present.

Sources

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/contact-dermatitis/basics/definition/con-20032048