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Allergic Contact Dermatitis

MEDICAL DERMATOLOGY

What is Allergic Contact Dermatitis

Allergic contact dermatitis, sometimes referred to as just contact dermatitis, is a red, itchy rash on the skin. It can appear on any area of the skin that has been in contact with a trigger or allergen, but sometimes appears on various areas of the skin if an allergen has been ingested. Irritant contact dermatitis is a related condition that is triggered by irritants such as solvents, bleach or even shampoos.

Signs and Symptoms of Allergic Contact Dermatitis

Allergic contact dermatitis appears as a red and highly itchy area of skin. Sometimes the skin can become scaly or even develop blisters. The skin can also burn and feel swollen and very tender.

What Causes Allergic Contact Dermatitis

Allergic contact dermatitis is triggered by exposure to allergens. Common allergens that can cause this type of contact dermatitis include:

  • Poison ivy
  • Mango
  • Nickel
  • Medications, including topical antibiotic creams and oral antihistamines
  • Balsam of Peru, a substance used in perfumes, cosmetics and mouthwashes
  • Formaldehyde
  • Personal hygiene products, such as deodorants, body washes or hair dyes
  • Airborne substances, such as pollen or insecticides
  • Photoallergic substances such as sunscreen

Individuals can be triggered by an allergen the first time they are exposed to it; in some scenarios, it takes continued exposure before an allergic reaction occurs.

How Allergic Contact Dermatitis is Treated

Treatment for this condition typically begins with some basic home remedies, including applying cool, wet compresses, soaking in a cool bath, and avoiding scratching or irritating the area. Patients should also try to avoid the allergen that triggered the reaction at all times. In some cases, patients may require doctor-prescribed remedies, including:

  • Steroid creams or ointments: Topical creams or ointments that heal and soothe the contact dermatitis. A typical course of treatment will involve one or two applications a day for two to four weeks.
  • Oral medications: In serious cases, patients may be prescribed oral corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, antihistamines or antibiotics if a bacterial infection is present.

Related Treatments


Blue Light Therapy

Blue light is a popular therapy used for treating acne. Blue light kills off bacteria on the skin and in the oil glands that cause acne. Learn More

Corticosteroids

A corticosteroid works by suppressing the activity of the immune system and reducing the production of chemicals that create inflammation. Learn More

Cyclosporine

Cyclosporine is used in a number of conditions where the immune system behaves erratically. Learn More

Dupixent

Dupixent is a drug that when injected into the skin, works at blocking a specific protein known as an interleukin. Learn More

Immune System Suppressants

An immune system suppressant, such as Imuran or CellCept, steps in to address this by suppressing the activity of the immune system and reducing the production of chemicals that create inflammation. Learn More

Oral and Topical Medications

Dermatologists are experts in bacterial, viral and fungal infections in the skin and have a deep knowledge of how to best use antibiotics, antiviral and antifungal medications. Learn More

Patch Testing TRUE-Test

The TRUE test, also known as patch testing, is a quick and easy way to check for and diagnose allergic contact dermatitis in patients. Learn More

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