1. What does dermatitis
look like?
Allergic contact dermatitis can be difficult to distinguish from
other rashes. The skin swells and blisters appear. Blisters may
break, forming crusts and scales. Untreated, the skin may darken
and become leathery and cracked.
2. What is the difference
between irritant dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis?
Allergic contact dermatitis is not usually caused by things like
acid, alkali, solvent, strong soap or detergent. These harsh compounds,
which can produce a reaction on anyone’s skin, are known as
"irritants." Although some chemicals are both irritants
and allergens, allergic contact dermatitis results from brief contact
with substances that don’t usually provoke a reaction in most
people.
3. What is the cause
of allergic contact dermatitis?
Allergic contact dermatitis results from brief contact with substances
that don’t usually provoke an irritant reaction in most people.
The dermatologist and patient will discuss the materials that touch
the person’s skin at work and home, to identify the allergen.
The dermatologist may also perform patch tests. Patch testing is
a safe and quick way to diagnose contact allergies. A small amount
of the suspected allergen is applied to the skin for a fixed time,
usually two days.
4. How
is allergic contact dermatitis treated?
People with allergic contact dermatitis should:
- Avoid the allergen that causes the reaction, and
materials that cross-react with it. Your dermatologist can help
you identify items to avoid.
- Substitute a product made of materials that do
not cause reactions.
Patch testing by a dermatologist can alert patients
to which substances to avoid.
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