When your skin begins to itch and/or become red when it comes into contact with substances in the environment that you are allergic to, it is known as contact dermatitis.
There are three main types of contact dermatitis:
Irritant Contact Dermatitis
Being the most common type of contact dermatitis, it can develop quickly after the skin touches an irritating chemical or excessive heat and/or is rubbed too aggressively. These substances break through your skin’s main barrier and cause the area to become inflamed. This reaction typically stays on the skin where the exposed allergen is/was present. If exposed to a strong irritant, pain, swelling and sometimes blistering can potentially occur. If the exposure is ongoing, the reaction can potentially occur over a longer period of time and involve dryness, itching, and even cracking of the skin. This particular reaction may develop from common substances, including water, too much pressure/friction, and extreme weather changes.
Allergic Contact Dermatitis
Being the second most common type of contact dermatitis, your skin can sometimes take anywhere from 48-96 hours to react to an allergen. Because it can take a few days for the immune system to recognize a particular allergen, skin symptoms could appear several days after the initial exposure. This reaction can be limited to the original site of contact, but oftentimes can spread and cause the skin to become red, hot, and/or itchy.
Contact Urticaria (Hives)
The least common form of contact dermatitis involves swelling and redness of the skin, typically directly after contact with an irritating substance. There is potential risk of an anaphylactic reaction that can coincide with contact urticaria; contact your doctor or emergency services if you believe you are going into anaphylaxis.
There are many different triggers for contact dermatitis; some common ones can include, but are not limited to, the following:
-Metals
-Nickel (often found in jewelry, zippers, buttons, belt buckles, and coins)
-Cobalt (often found in substances with Nickel, hair dyes, and antiperspirants)
-Chromium salts (often found in paints, cement, and leather products)
-Fragrances
-Cosmetics
-Perfumes
-Food flavorings
-Toothpastes
-Antibacterial Ointments
-Neomycin
-Bacitracin
-Formaldehyde
-Nylon elastic
-Household disinfectants
-Vaccines
-Glues/adhesives
-Cigarette Smoke
-Embalming fluid
-Cosmetics
-“Permanent press” and “wrinkle-resistant” clothing
-Aspartame (artificial sweetener)
-Isothiazolinones
-Methylchloroisothiazolinone
-Methylisothiazolinone
-Shampoos
-Body washes
-Cosmetics
-Wet wipes
-Baby wipes
-Toilet tissues
-Cocamidopropyl Betaine
-Shampoos
-Soaps
-Lotions
-“Reduce static-cling” clothing
-Paraphenylenediamine
-Hair-dye
-Temporary tattoos
If you suspect you may have this skin condition, contact your doctor or call us at 309-452-0995 or 217-717-4404 to book an appointment today.
