Contact Allergic Dermatitis

Contact allergic dermatitis is an allergic response to a substance that has been in close contact with the skin. Molecules of the allergen are absorbed into the body and sensitize all parts of the immune system. As a result, the dermatitis may spread if the original substance is touched again, or you may find that the dermatitis develops on distant areas of skin.

Contact Allergic Dermatitis Causes

Contact allergic dermatitis can occur at any age, from infancy onwards, but it is most common in young adults. The condition can flare up quite suddenly, as a reaction to virtually any substance. You may even find that you develop a reaction to a substance that has been in contact with your skin for years without previously causing any problem. As a result of this, it can be extremely difficult to determine what is causing contact allergic dermatitis. There are common culprits and these include nickel, perfume, hair colouring, aftershave and cosmetics.

Making an accurate diagnosis of the condition can also be problematical as the appearance of the skin may not differ much from irritant dermatitis. This is a local irritation to the skin that is caused by contact with substances such as soap, detergent, polish, bleach or even, occasionally, raw food.

A reaction to cosmetics is a common cause of contact allergic dermatitis, even cosmetics you may have been using trouble-free for many years.

Home Remedies for Contact Allergic Dermatitis

Treating skin allergies can be difficult and prevention is often better than trying to cure them. If you have a sensitive skin, or have had eczema in the past, try to minimize the risk of developing further allergic reactions by following a good skin care regime:

Avoid exposure to the sun, and choose sun lotions carefully, as many contain fragrances or other substances that can provoke a reaction. Always test a small patch of skin before you apply the lotion over a large area.

Do not allow your skin to become dry. Exposure to water removes its protective oils, so make showers or baths brief, ana take them only when needed. Dry your skin without rubbing it, and be generous in your use of hypoallergenic moisturizers and emollients, especially when the air is dry, either from heat or cold, or after spending time in an air-conditioned room.

Use mild, acidic soap to protect the slight natural acidity of your skin, or rinse using a dilute solution of vinegar (60ml/ 2 fl oz per 1.2 litres or 2 pints water).

Eat a healthy diet and reduce the stress in your life .

What you can do for treatment of Contact Allergic Dermatitis

Always keep your doctor informed if your skin has shown an allergic reaction, especially to a drug or, if you need surgery, to latex (rubber) or a metal.

In the longer term, avoidance of the allergen is the mainstay of treatment because the allergy does not usually go away, and for this the allergen must be recognized, usually by patch testing on the skin. As there are so many candidates, you may need to do your own patch testing by taping suspect substances, such as a piece of material or a leaf, to your skin with hypo-allergenic tape. However, this should never be done with a strong chemical or when your skin is red, sore or broken. Do not apply a patch test to a small child without first discussing this approach with your doctor. If the site begins to itch remove the tape, as the test is positive. Otherwise wait 48 hours and inspect the skin; the test is positive if the area is raised or red. If the test is negative, replace the tape and check again after a further 48 hours. For liquids, such as perfumes, or aromatherapy oils, place a little behind your ear and leave the area unwashed for 48 hours. If the skin becomes red or itchy, the test is positive. If you have a sensitive skin, use one of these methods before changing to a new product, such as hairspray, cosmetics, hair dye, aromatherapy oil, etc.

Desensitization with homeopathy or neutralization are possible other options, if the cause is known.