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Allergic contact dermatitis is an itchy skin condition caused by an allergic reaction to material in contact with the skin. Contact dermatitis is a localized rash or irritation of the skin caused by contact with a foreign substance. Adults are affected by allergic contact dermatitis more than young children or the elderly. Irritant dermatitis, the most common type of contact dermatitis, involves inflammation resulting from contact with acids, alkaline materials such as soaps and detergents, solvents, or other chemicals. The reaction usually resembles a burn.Plants, as well as metals, cosmetics, and medications may also cause a contact dermatitis reaction.  Common causes of irritant contact dermatitis are harsh (highly alkaline) soaps, nickel, detergents, and cleaning products. There are three types of contact dermatitis: irritant contact, allergic contact, and photocontact dermatitis. Irritant contact  is the most common form of contact dermatitis. ICD can be caused by either an acute or chronic exposure to a toxic insult. It is caused by either chemical or physical irritants. People who do a lot of wetwork (mothers of small children, hairdressers, nurses, chefs) are very prone to developing ICD.

Allergic Contact Dermatitis (ACD) condition is the manifestation of an allergic response caused by contact with a substance.  An allergic reaction does not generally occur the first time one is exposed to a particular substance but on subsequent exposures , which can cause dermatitis in 4 to 24 hours. They can only cause their response as part of a complete antigen, involving their association with epidermal proteins forming hapten-protein conjugates. This, in turn, requires them to be protein-reactive. Some products cause a reaction only when they contact the skin and are exposed to sunlight (photosensitivity). These include shaving lotions, sunscreens, sulfa ointments, some perfumes, coal tar products, and oil from the skin of a lime. Typical allergic symptoms caused by airborne allergens include sneezing, runny nose and nasal congestion (allergic rhinitis or hay fever). When an allergy victim’s eyes are affected, they may experience itchy, watery and red eyes. Inhaling airborne allergens may cause reduced lung capacity and difficulty breathing.

Allergic Contact Dermatitis develops after repeated allergen exposure and is a T cell mediated delayed skin hypersensitivity to common metals, dyes, rubber products and cosmetics. Neomycin antibiotic creams is the most common cause of medication contact dermatitis. Irritant contact dermatitis accounts for over 80% of all contact dermatitis.  Allergic dermatitis is usually confined to the area where the trigger actually touched the skin, whereas irritant dermatitis may be more widespread on the skin. Photocontact Dermatitis (PCD)  is the eczematous condition which is triggered by an interaction between an otherwise unharmful or less harmful substance on the skin and ultraviolet light,  therefore manifesting itself only in regions where the sufferer has been exposed to such rays. Photocontact dermatitis is another condition where the distinction between forms of contact dermatitis is not clear cut. Immunological mechanisms can also play a part, causing a response similar to ACD.

Treatment of Contact Allergy Tips

1. Corticosteroid medication similar to hydrocortisone may be prescribed to combat inflammation in a localized area. This medication may be applied to your skin as a cream or ointment

2. Prescription antihistamines may be given if nonprescription strengths are inadequate.

3. Immediately after exposure to a known allergen or irritant, wash with soap and cool water to remove or inactivate most of the offending substance.

4. If blistering develops, cold moist compresses applied for 30 minutes 3 times a day can offer relief.

5. Calamine lotion and cool collodial oatmeal baths may relieve itching.

6. Oral antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl, Ben-Allergin) can also relieve itching.

7. For mild cases that cover a relatively small area, hydrocortisone cream in nonprescription strength may be sufficient.

8. Since contact dermatitis relies on an irritant or an allergen to initiate the reaction, it is important for the patient to identify the responsible agent and avoid it.

9. Avoid scratching, as this can cause secondary infections.

10. Suspicion is applied several times daily for several days to a small area of sensitive skin.

Filed under: Skin Disorders