Contact Dermatitis
Dermatitis is redness, soreness, and swelling (inflammation) of the skin. Contact dermatitis is a reaction to certain substances that touch the skin. There are two types of contact dermatitis:
• Irritant contact dermatitis. This type is caused by something that irritates your skin. This type does not require previous exposure to the substance for a reaction to occur. This type is more common.
• Allergic contact dermatitis. This type is caused by a substance that you are allergic to. This type only occurs if you have been exposed to the substance before. Upon a repeat exposure, your body reacts to the substance. This type is less common.
CAUSES
Many different substances can cause contact dermatitis. Irritant dermatitis is most …show more content…
○ Beauticians.
○ Mechanics.
• People who have certain medical conditions, such as asthma or exzema.
SYMPTOMS
Symptoms of this condition include:
• Dryness or flaking.
• Redness.
• Cracks.
• Itching.
• Pain or a burning feeling.
• Blisters.
With allergic contact dermatitis, there may also be swelling in areas such as the eyelids, mouth, or genitals.
DIAGNOSIS
This condition is diagnosed with a medical history and physical exam. A patch skin test may be performed to help determine the cause.
TREATMENT
Treatment for this condition includes figuring out what caused the reaction and protecting your skin from further contact. Treatment may also include:
• Steroid creams or ointments. Oral steroid medicines may be needed in more severe cases.
• Antibiotics or antibacterial ointments, if a skin infection is present.
• Antihistamine lotion or an antihistamine taken by mouth to ease itching.
• A bandage (dressing).
HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS
Skin Care
• Moisturize your skin as needed.
• Apply cool compresses to the affected
Dermatitis is redness, soreness, and swelling (inflammation) of the skin. Contact dermatitis is a reaction to certain substances that touch the skin. There are two types of contact dermatitis:
• Irritant contact dermatitis. This type is caused by something that irritates your skin. This type does not require previous exposure to the substance for a reaction to occur. This type is more common.
• Allergic contact dermatitis. This type is caused by a substance that you are allergic to. This type only occurs if you have been exposed to the substance before. Upon a repeat exposure, your body reacts to the substance. This type is less common.
CAUSES
Many different substances can cause contact dermatitis. Irritant dermatitis is most …show more content…
○ Beauticians.
○ Mechanics.
• People who have certain medical conditions, such as asthma or exzema.
SYMPTOMS
Symptoms of this condition include:
• Dryness or flaking.
• Redness.
• Cracks.
• Itching.
• Pain or a burning feeling.
• Blisters.
With allergic contact dermatitis, there may also be swelling in areas such as the eyelids, mouth, or genitals.
DIAGNOSIS
This condition is diagnosed with a medical history and physical exam. A patch skin test may be performed to help determine the cause.
TREATMENT
Treatment for this condition includes figuring out what caused the reaction and protecting your skin from further contact. Treatment may also include:
• Steroid creams or ointments. Oral steroid medicines may be needed in more severe cases.
• Antibiotics or antibacterial ointments, if a skin infection is present.
• Antihistamine lotion or an antihistamine taken by mouth to ease itching.
• A bandage (dressing).
HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS
Skin Care
• Moisturize your skin as needed.
• Apply cool compresses to the affected