Signs and Symptoms of Contact Dermatitis

Acute eruptions of allergic contact dermatitis are characterized by redness, swelling, & blistering of the exposed areas. As the eruption evolves, crusts & scales may form. In chronic conditions, the skin darkens, thickens, & often cracks. The eruption may not be characteristic, however, & the diagnosis may not be immediately obvious. The shapes & locations of allergic contact dermatitis treatment provide the most helpful diagnostic clues. Lesions can present in linear or square patches or create at telling sites such as underneath a watch, on the earlobes, or under a waistband.

Allergic contact dermatitis of the face can lead to swollen, red, & blistered skin. The responsible allergen is sometimes difficult to select because there is been exposure to multiple reaction-inducing agents. For example, somebody may react to a cosmetic applied to the face, a chemical on the hands, or an airborne allergen, all of which may appear as similar reactions.

Irritant contact dermatitis can produce a range of signs from mild redness to extreme chapping to blisters & ulcerations on exposed areas. Most cases create slowly, after repeated exposure to mild irritants. Harsh, irritating chemicals in high concentrations may cause dermatitis on anyone's skin.

A cautious medical history is the best device for diagnosing contact dermatitis. Attention to recent & new as well as long-term exposures is important.

Patch testing may be performed when allergic contact dermatitis is suspected. In the coursework of this procedure, various suspected & common allergy-inducing substances are taped to the patient's back for 48 hours. After removal, the individual areas are examined & any localized reactions are identified.

One time offending chemicals or substances are identified, either by history or by patch testing, they can be eliminated. Afterward, the skin finally heals by itself.

In addition to avoiding irritating or allergy-producing chemicals, contact dermatitis treatment is directed toward symptom relief. Drying agents applied to blistered & weeping areas & moisturizers applied to chronic lesions that are thick & scaly often have an ameliorating effect.

One time the allergen that is causing allergic contact dermatitis is identified, it can be more basically avoided. When preservatives or fragrances are the culprits, the individual must learn to read the labels of creams & lotions to keep away from exposure.

Strong, irritating chemicals can get replaced by less harsh equivalents. When exposure cannot be avoided in the workplace, contact with those chemicals can be minimized by wearing protective gloves & clothing. When there is no alternative, an affected individual may must change his or her occupation or change job obligations in order to keep away from exposure.