Contact dermatitis: treatment, the main symptoms and photos
Contact dermatitis – inflammatory process, which is formed on the skin as a result of contact with the allergen.
The most common cause of Allergy are household chemicals that we use, as well as some metals, copper, Nickel, medicinal preparations and latex.
The process of development of dermatitis in this case as follows: the skin is allergen and starts an allergic reaction, the inflammation begins. Dermatitis may not develop in everyone, but only to those who are predisposed to the disease.
What is a contact dermatitis
Contact dermatitis can be considered from the point of view of two phases:
- Sensitization. In this phase, the body itself produces substances against the allergen;
- Clinical dermatitis — it is the disease itself.
The first phase may last about two weeks. This is the time that elapses from the moment of first contact of the skin with the allergen, while contact dermatitis asymptomatic.
The phase ends with the fact that the body produces substances that are in repeated contact with the allergen will trigger a severe allergic reaction.
The allergen causes the release of skin neurotransmitters (substances that are responsible for the inflammation). The classic symptoms are itching, swelling and redness.
The reasons for the development
We need to understand the cause of Allergy to genetically predisposition. Studies in this region have long identified a genetic link. We define a major allergen that can cause reactions:
- Nickel and copper. Metals are quite widespread in the household farm and in the manufacture of jewellery;
- Latex;
- Medications;
- Cosmetics;
- Fabric;
- Household chemicals.
By and large, contact dermatitis can develop when exposed to any substance. Here the main factor is a predisposition at the genetic level.
The symptoms of dermatitis
Quite often we can meet the definition of an allergic reaction called "eczema". Let's just define that the first symptoms can manifest in a completely different time intervals, from hours to several weeks. The main signs of allergies include:
- The inflammatory process at the site of skin contact with the allergen;
- Itching and redness;
- The formation of small bubbles filled with liquid;
- After damage to the bladder, the skin iserosion.
In some cases, dermatitis can be confused with infection, but if it is formed in places of contact with the allergen, and is, for example, the earlobes when wearing earrings or piercings, in this case, ointments, solutions, antibiotics do not relieve irritation.
It is often possible to note the cessation of allergies with the change of jewelry, it is instant proof that we face is contact dermatitis.
Diagnosis
The basis of diagnosis — observation of allergic reaction when applying an application with different kinds of allergens. In determining the substance causing the reaction, it is possible to appoint treatment.
It is especially important to identify allergens in case of illness of a child, in the future they must be deleted, otherwise you can cause a much more dangerous disease.
Treatment of contact dermatitis
The main treatment remains the complete exclusion of contact with substance that causes allergic reactions. If this cannot be done, for example, the allergen is at work then you just need to use protection for the skin.
Naturally, if the reaction is caused by household chemicals, to carry out treatment to exclude the use of them.
Nickel is an allergen, and the food that containing large quantities of this metal should exclude. The list of products is quite large and includes: oatmeal, sardines, nuts and chocolate, soybeans and lentils.
Terms of medicines, for the treatment mainly used antihistamines, which are designed to neutralize the effect of histamine. As a rule, these are the most common medications: Zyrtec, Telfast, Aerius. These tools completely eliminate the side effects, which could be seen the drugs earlier production.
If inflammation is pronounced and delivers pain, a recommended local treatment in the form of ointments with a high content of corticosteroids.
Ointment rubbed into the skin once a day treatment for up to five days. A longer period is not recommended, as there is a risk of side effects.
If the dermatitis localized to the face, for treatment, the doctor will prescribe Advantan emulsion. It is applied in a thin layer once a day, the emulsion can be easily rubbed into the skin.
It is important to note that contact dermatitis needs treatment under the supervision of a dermatologist, and not to engageself.