Allergic Contact Dermatitis
What is Allergic Contact Dermatitis?
It is a type of skin rash caused by an allergic reaction to a foreign substance. It occurs after direct skin contact with allergens such as neosporin, nickel, fragrances, and preservatives.
What does allergic contact dermatitis look like?
Skin that has allergic contact dermatitis is often sore, red and itchy. There may be cracks that bleed and scab. The skin can be crusty and scaly, with small blisters that open and peel. This can last for several weeks after the allergen is removed.
Who gets allergic contact dermatitis?
Millions of people can develeop allergic contact dermatitis. It can be due to genetics or people who contact chemicals daily may develop this rash. Cracked, dry skin may make yoru skin more vulnerable because the skin's normal barrier has been compromised.
What are the common allergens that cause allergic contact dermatitis?
More than 3000 allergens can cause allergic contact dermatitis. Some of the more common are nickel, fragrances, neomycin, thimerosal and cobalt. In health care, disinfectants, preservatives and chemicals in rubber gloves are very common. Chromate and cobalt are allergens in construction workers. Dyes, permanent wave chemicals, fragrances and nail cosmetics are common allergens for beauty salon workers.
What tests are available for my allergic contact dermatitis?
A patch test is used to diagnose your allergic contact dermatitis and to identify the allergens. It consists of placing three stickers with 36 of the most common allergens on your back on day 1. Two days later, you come back for the patch test removal and initial evaluation. One week after we initially placed the patch on your skin, you come in for the final reading to see if and what you are allergic to.
How can my allergic contact dermatitis be treated?
We may prescribe corticosteroids, antihistamines and moisturizers for your skin, depending on the severity of your allergic reaction. We may also prescribe medications to suppress your immune system. These treatments are intended to treat your your symptoms and give your skin a chance to heal, but will not cure the disorder. The goal is to reduce the skin's exposure to allergens, and to minimize symptoms and maximize skin health.
It is a type of skin rash caused by an allergic reaction to a foreign substance. It occurs after direct skin contact with allergens such as neosporin, nickel, fragrances, and preservatives.
What does allergic contact dermatitis look like?
Skin that has allergic contact dermatitis is often sore, red and itchy. There may be cracks that bleed and scab. The skin can be crusty and scaly, with small blisters that open and peel. This can last for several weeks after the allergen is removed.
Who gets allergic contact dermatitis?
Millions of people can develeop allergic contact dermatitis. It can be due to genetics or people who contact chemicals daily may develop this rash. Cracked, dry skin may make yoru skin more vulnerable because the skin's normal barrier has been compromised.
What are the common allergens that cause allergic contact dermatitis?
More than 3000 allergens can cause allergic contact dermatitis. Some of the more common are nickel, fragrances, neomycin, thimerosal and cobalt. In health care, disinfectants, preservatives and chemicals in rubber gloves are very common. Chromate and cobalt are allergens in construction workers. Dyes, permanent wave chemicals, fragrances and nail cosmetics are common allergens for beauty salon workers.
What tests are available for my allergic contact dermatitis?
A patch test is used to diagnose your allergic contact dermatitis and to identify the allergens. It consists of placing three stickers with 36 of the most common allergens on your back on day 1. Two days later, you come back for the patch test removal and initial evaluation. One week after we initially placed the patch on your skin, you come in for the final reading to see if and what you are allergic to.
How can my allergic contact dermatitis be treated?
We may prescribe corticosteroids, antihistamines and moisturizers for your skin, depending on the severity of your allergic reaction. We may also prescribe medications to suppress your immune system. These treatments are intended to treat your your symptoms and give your skin a chance to heal, but will not cure the disorder. The goal is to reduce the skin's exposure to allergens, and to minimize symptoms and maximize skin health.
The information presented on this web site, and any related links, is provided for general information and educational purposes only and are the opinions of Dr. Diana Dang. Consult with your physician or health care provider for any specific medical conditions or concerns that you have. (This also applies to patients in Dr. Dang's medical practice; the information here is not a substitute for, or an extension of, the medical care they provide for you.) Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read here. Use the information and products on this site at your own risk. Use of this site indicates your agreement with these statements and the Terms and Conditions of El Centro Dermatology & Laser Center. If you do not agree to all of these Terms and Conditions of use, please do not use this site!