Contact Dermatitis
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What is Contact Dermatitis?
Contact dermatitis is a type of skin inflammation that occurs when the skin comes into contact with an allergen that triggers an allergic immune response resulting in eczema. This condition can cause significant discomfort and interfere with daily activities, particularly when it affects the thinner, sensitive skin around the eyes or the hands which can impact upon a patient’s ability to work and use their hands effectively.
Types of Contact Dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is triggered by exposure to specific substances, which can be categorised into two types-
Irritant Contact Dermatitis
This occurs when the skin comes into contact with an irritating substance that triggers a relatively quick and almost immediate rash. Common irritants include:
- Soaps and detergents
- Cleaning products
- Solvents and chemicals
- Certain plants
- Latex gloves
Allergic Contact Dermatitis
This occurs when the skin has a delayed allergic reaction to a specific substance. Common allergens include:
- Nickel and other metals
- Fragrances and preservatives in cosmetics and skincare products
- Rubber
- Certain medications including topical steroids
Symptoms of contact dermatitis
Dr Murphy will provide a personalised treatment plan of topical therapies that will include moisturisers and anti-inflammatory creams or ointments for managing your flared rash, but also for maintaining your skin to prevent deterioration.
- Redness and swelling
- Itching and burning sensations
- Dry, cracked, or scaly skin
- Blisters or vesicles
- Weeping or crusting skin
- Pain or tenderness
These symptoms typically appear on areas of the skin that have been directly exposed to the irritant or allergen – these can transfer by hand, aerolised in the atmosphere such as perfume fragrance, or direct contact with, for example, a culprit skin product, hair dye, spectacles or artificial nails.
Treatment Options
Dr Murphy will provide a personalised treatment plan of topical therapies that will include moisturisers and anti-inflammatory creams or ointments for managing your flared rash, but also for maintaining your skin to prevent deterioration.
At Cathedral Dermatology, we specialize in diagnosing and treating allergic dermatitis through comprehensive patch testing or skin prick testing. At your consultation with Dr Murphy, a comprehensive history taking will identify potential areas of exposure for your individual case of allergic dermatitis, thus enabling him to select the correct type of testing, then the patch test series(s) if the latter is indicated – these series/allergen bundles or ‘batteries’ for patch testing might include hairdressing, cosmetics, medications, genital or artificial nails.
These tests allow us to accurately identify for you the specific allergens or irritants responsible for your skin reactions. By pinpointing these triggers, you will be empowered to avoid them going forward and to prevent future relapses. Our collaboration with the Allergy Clinic enhances our ability to provide the highest standard of care for allergy testing, helping you achieve healthier, clearer skin.
To schedule a Consultation with our dermatologist if you think or know you have a skin allergy, get in touch below.
