Medical Edge Newspaper Column

Contact Dermatitis

Dec. 4, 2006
READERS:
If your skin is inflamed, itchy, dotted with bumps or blisters, it could be contact dermatitis, caused by exposure to an allergen or simply something that irritates the skin, such as soaps and detergents.

If the culprit is an allergy, the skin doesn't usually react to the first exposure. The most common allergens are nickel, a metal commonly used in jewelry, buttons, hooks and zippers; and gold, a precious metal used in jewelry.

Both allergic and irritant contact dermatitis may appear on your hands. But allergic contact dermatitis -- or other skin conditions such as psoriasis -- may be suspected if you develop a rash on your scalp, neck, earlobes, eyelids, lips or underarms.

Your primary doctor or a dermatologist often can base a diagnosis on your skin's appearance and your history of recent contact with allergens and irritants. If no allergen or irritant is apparent, and your symptoms continue, patch testing may be advised, applying small amounts of different allergens to your back to see how your skin reacts.

Identifying and avoiding an allergen or irritant is the primary treatment. Topical creams containing hydrocortisone or a wet dressing also may help relieve redness, itching and discomfort. Oral medications may be needed for severe reactions.

Don't expect overnight results. Even with strict allergen or irritant avoidance, contact dermatitis may take weeks or months to clear up.