Contact Dermatitis

What is contact dermatitis?

Contact dermatitis is a skin condition that occurs when you encounter an allergen or irritant, causing inflammation, redness, and itching. If severe, chronic, or recurring symptoms disrupt your life, seek professional care at Allergy Associates of Utah.

The experts specialize in identifying the causes of your contact dermatitis and developing a personalized treatment plan.

What are the types of contact dermatitis?

Contact dermatitis has two main types, depending on the underlying cause:

Irritant contact dermatitis occurs when a substance directly irritates or damages your skin, leading to a reaction. Technically, it isn’t an allergy since it affects the skin without triggering your immune system.

Allergic contact dermatitis happens when a substance penetrates your skin and triggers an immune response. This allergic reaction causes a rash.

What causes contact dermatitis?

The causes of contact dermatitis vary based on the type:

Irritant contact dermatitis

Substances that directly damage the skin cause this form of dermatitis. Prolonged or repeated exposure to certain irritants increases your chances of developing it. Common irritants include:

• Soaps and detergents
• Disinfectants
• Fertilizers
• Perfumes
• Chemicals found in personal care products

Since some garden plants produce irritating substances, you might also notice itching or redness after yard work or gardening.

Allergic contact dermatitis

Allergens can trigger an immune response, causing allergic contact dermatitis. Common allergen causes include:

• Poison ivy, oak, and sumac
• Nickel
• Cosmetics
• Fabric dyes
• Fragrances
• Rubber (latex)

Topical medications, including some topical antibiotics, can cause allergic contact dermatitis.

What are the contact dermatitis symptoms?

Your symptoms may include:

• Itching
• Hives
• Skin redness and inflammation
• Painful sores
• Dry, cracked skin
• Scaly patches
• Thickened or tender skin
• Burning or stinging sensations
• Fluid-filled blisters that may ooze and crust

The timing of the reaction varies. Symptoms may appear within minutes or hours or can take days to develop, depending on whether the dermatitis is irritant or allergic.

What is the treatment for contact dermatitis?

The Allergy Associates of Utah providers identify the substance causing your reaction. Allergy testing identifies allergens, but identifying irritants may take more investigation.

Treatment typically includes avoidance of the substance and/or topical or oral medications to reduce inflammation and relieve itching.

If you experience contact dermatitis, our skilled team can help. Call the Allergy Associates of Utah office today or schedule an appointment online to receive the necessary care to relieve and prevent contact dermatitis.