Contact dermatitis is a skin condition that appears in two ways: allergic contact dermatitis and irritant contact dermatitis. Allergic contact dermatitis is caused by coming in contact with a specific substance the person is allergic to. Irritant contact dermatitis is caused by coming in contact with common irritants.

These two types of contact dermatitis present different symptoms, but neither of them is life-threatening. They usually clear up in a couple of weeks, although they may come back after another contact with the allergen or irritant.

A break-out of contact dermatitis should be discussed with an allergy doctor to determine the best course of treatment, or determine the allergen in the case of allergic contact dermatitis.

Causes of contact dermatitis

Allergic contact dermatitis is caused when a person’s skin comes into contact with an allergen, including:

• Some antibiotics
• Balsam of Peru, a compound used in production of cosmetic products
• Metals, such as nickel and gold
• Rubber or latex
• Certain plants, such as poison ivy and poison oak

Irritant contact dermatitis is the more common of the two. It is caused when a person’s skin comes into contact with an irritant, which can be:

• An acid
• Soaps, detergent, or fabric softeners
• Hair dyes
• Cement
• Rubber
• Pesticide or weed killers

Symptoms of contact dermatitis

Allergic contact dermatitis symptoms:

• An itchy rash
• Blisters
• Oozing and draining
• Scaly, raw skin

Irritant contact dermatitis symptoms:

• Skin redness and a rash
• Itching, pain and burning
• Dry and rough skin

The first symptom, which is usually the rash, appears faster in the case of irritant contact dermatitis than in the case of allergic contact dermatitis. The symptoms of allergic contact dermatitis are usually confined to the area that came into contact with the allergen, while symptoms of irritant contact dermatitis tend to spread beyond the contact area. The rash caused by an irritant will tend to be more painful that the one caused by an allergen, and there will also be a burning sensation in the area.

Treatments for contact dermatitis

Treatment options for contact dermatitis include:

• Topical corticosteroids
• Oral corticosteroids
• Oral antihistamines

The first thing that needs to be done in the case of contact dermatitis is to remove the irritant or the allergen. This may include washing the affected area. The mildest cases usually don’t require any other treatment and don’t require a visit to an allergy doctor.

It’s also important to hydrate the skin properly, so moisturizer creams should be used. Topical steroids are used to reduce the inflammation in moderate cases. Steroid creams shouldn’t be used for longer periods of time though, as they may cause the skin to become thinner. Oral corticosteroids are used in more severe cases, and oral antihistamines are used to manage severe itching.

If you came in contact with an allergen or an irritant, contact us today to schedule an appointment with the best Allergy Doctor in NYC.