Allergic Contact Dermatitis - Symptoms & Treatment

Allergic contact dermatitis is a deferred hypersensitivity effect (the reaction to the allergen arises 48-72 hours after exposure). A lot of different substances can induce allergic contact dermatitis, which are called 'allergens'. Generally these substances cause no problem for most people, and may not even be discern the first time the person is exposed. But once the skin becomes susceptible or allergic to the substance, any exposure will produce a rash. Allergic contact dermatitis is not typically induced by things similar to acid, alkali, solvent, strong soap or detergent. These insensitive compounds, which can generate a reaction on anyone's skin, are identified as 'irritants'. About 20% of people in the United States are possibly at risk of allergic contact dermatitis due to skin sensitivity to as a minimum one common chemical allergen.

Causes of Allergic Contact Dermatitis

Some causes & risk factors of Allergic Contact Dermatitis are as follows:

• Substance in rubber, leather (e.g. chrome) and dyes (e.g. paraphenylenediamine).
• Creams and ointments applied on the skin.
• Dry air can dispose to allergic contact dermatitis.
• Patients among a history of eczema.

Symptoms of Allergic Contact Dermatitis

The dermatitis is usually confined to the site of contact with the allergen, while severe cases may expand outer the contact area or it may become generalised. The itch can increase into a part of redness with inflammation and even tiny blisters that weep. In distinction to irritant contact dermatitis, the effect can enlarge beyond or arise in a dissimilar place from the site of contact. Rarely, the look is that of urticaria (severely itchy raised red patches or wheals that can be similar to insect bites, while these may be more uneven in shape). Seldom, swelling of the mouth and upper airways can arise, which is identified as angioedema. This is grave and requires vital medical attention.

Treatment of Allergic Contact Dermatitis

Some most common treatment for Allergic Contact Dermatitis are as follows:

• Emollient creams.
• Topical steroids are very useful and harmless medications when used properly. These work by reducing tenderness of the skin. Topical steroids should be used once or twice on a daily basis to the areas of skin affected by infection.
• Tacrolimus gel and pimecrolimus cream are immune modulating drugs that reduce calcineurin and may establish useful for allergic contact dermatitis.
• Corticosteroid may be used to reduce skin irritation.