Contact dermatitis is a rash that is caused by a reaction to substances that come into contact with the skin. Knowing what substances cause your skin to react can help you avoid them in the future.
Common Irritants
There are many things that can cause a reaction in the skin. Some of the most common irritants include poison ivy, poison oak, nickel, medications, rubber, dyes, fragrances, and much more. Different people’s skin may react differently to various substances.
Symptoms of Contact Dermatitis
Contact dermatitis reactions are essentially rashes. They may result in dry or cracked skin, as well as bumps and blisters. Contact dermatitis is typically itchy and can even lead to infections. It is important to refrain from itching, because breaking the skin can cause infections.
Prevention
There are a few ways to prevent contact dermatitis from occurring. Avoiding irritants and allergens is the biggest way to avoid rashes. Washing your skin frequently can help remove the substance from your skin, even if it doesn’t completely prevent the rash from occurring. Wearing protective clothing or gloves when working with harsh chemicals can help you avoid an allergic reaction.
Do I Need to See a Dermatologist?
There are a few reasons you may want to see a dermatologist due to contact dermatitis. In most cases, the rash will disappear on its own within a few weeks. If the rash has affected your face or genital area, you should see your dermatologist. If the rash has become infected, you should contact your dermatologist. When the rash lasts longer than a few weeks, it is important to consult your dermatologist. If the rash is particularly painful, you should see your dermatologist.
Contact dermatitis can occur due to contact with many different substances. These substances can irritate the skin or they can invoke an allergic reaction to the skin. If you are concerned about your rash caused by contact dermatitis, contact us at Allen Taintor Dermatology today!