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McKesson Clinical Reference Systems: Women's Health Advisor 2002.2
Contact Dermatitis
What is contact dermatitis?
Contact dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin that
happens when an irritating substance touches the skin. The
rash is usually just in the area that touched the substance.
How does it occur?
Contact dermatitis occurs when the skin touches a substance
that irritates the skin or causes an allergic reaction.
Common causes of contact dermatitis from irritants are
soaps, detergents, solvents, waxes, polishes, and hand
cleaners. Common causes of contact dermatitis from allergic
reactions are hair dyes, jewelry, fingernail polish, and
deodorants. Some of the other substances that might cause
contact dermatitis are rubber, poison ivy, and nickel.
(Nickel is often in inexpensive jewelry, belt buckles, and
the backs of watches.)
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of contact dermatitis include:
- itching
- swelling
- redness of the skin
- blisters that may break open and ooze, crust, or
scale, possibly causing an infection.
How is it diagnosed?
Your health care provider will ask about possible irritants
that may have touched your skin recently. He or she will
look at the entire rash, noting where it is and how it looks
in each area (for example, whether it is on one or both
hands).
How is it treated?
Your health care provider will prescribe cream or ointment
to stop the itching and other symptoms. You may need to
take antihistamine pills to help stop any itching and
allergic reaction. If your rash is severe, your health care
provider may prescribe anti-inflammatory medicine, such as
prednisone.
How long will the effects last?
With treatment, the rash should get better in a few days.
How can I take care of myself?
Follow the instructions the health care provider gives you.
In addition, you can:
- Avoid further irritating the area of skin where you have
contact dermatitis.
- Avoid further contact with the substance that appears to
cause the dermatitis.
- Put cool, moist cloths on the areas of skin with
dermatitis.
How can I help prevent contact dermatitis?
If you know what substance caused the dermatitis, make sure
that the substance is not one of the ingredients in the
cosmetic, cleaning, or other products that you use. If you
are accidentally exposed to the substance, wash the exposed
area right away. Wash thoroughly but gently.
Whether or not you know what substances give you contact
dermatitis, it may be helpful to:
- Learn to recognize poison oak, poison ivy, and ragweed,
and avoid contact with them.
- Use hypoallergenic cosmetics.
- Pat your skin dry instead of rubbing it.
- Try to avoid using solvents and chemicals, and wear heavy
gloves when you must use them.
- Use a dishwasher, or wear gloves when you wash dishes.
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