Main Menu

(13) Skin Disorders

VIDEO

What is Contact Dermatitis?

skindisorders13

What is contact dermatitis?

Allergic contact dermatitis (Plate 4) is an itchy skin condition that is caused by an allergic reaction to material in contact with the skin. The dermatitis is generally confined to the site of contact with the allergen, although severe cases may extend outside the contact area or may become generalized. It occurs hours after contact with the responsible material and will dissipate when the skin is no longer in contact with it.

An example is a localized irritation underlying a watch strap because of contact allergy to nickel. Other common allergens include formalin in cosmetics and insecticides, paraben in cosmetics, rubber, fragrances in hair and clothing dyes, cosmetics, and household chemicals.

Plants encountered during gardening or hiking may result in irritations. Patch testing involves placing patches of various substances on the skin to identify whether a substance that comes into contact with the skin causes inflammation. Patch test reactions tend to increase with age because of the accumulation of allergens acquired over a lifetime. Often an occupational sensitization may occur only after decades of contact.

The most common reason for allergic contact dermatitis in older persons is topical medications applied to venous stasis ulcers or wounds, including lanolin, neomycin, paraben preservatives, and vitamin E creams. 

Share

Translate

ar bg ca zh-chs zh-cht cs da nl en et fi fr de el ht he hi hu id it ja ko lv lt no pl pt ro ru sk sl es sv th tr uk

Verse of the Day

Global Map