Allergic Contact Dermatitis - Health Tips

Primary Irritant Dermatitis
This is the result of a chemical that will cause dermatitis for everyone who comes in contact with it. Examples are soap, when the skin is scrubbed too much, or bleach if it is allowed to remain for some time. 

Secondary Allergic Dermatitis
This occurs after repeated exposure to an allergen. When the skin is exposed to the contactant, an allergic response may develop. Paraphenylenediamine (PPD) is used in hair dye, as the color will last after many shampoos. It is also both a dye and rubber accelerator found in shoes and sneakers. Sometimes, the chemical is not immediately leached out of the footwear. Another common allergen is nickel, which is added to strengthen the silver and gold jewelry. Gold that is 18 CT may have very little nickel and rose gold has copper as the alloy. Sometimes, the nickel is only leached out, when the skin is moist from sweating. Platinum and stainless steel usually can be worn instead.

First, you must identify what has caused the inflammation. Dr. Darst may be able to identify the culprit by taking your history and examining the eruption. If the cause is not readily apparent, Dr. Darst may ask you to stop using several topical or oral products for a period of up to one month. If the rash clears, one product at a time will be added back until a product that causes the rash is discovered. That way, you can begin eliminating potential causes of irritation. It could take weeks or months to positively identify the cause of your contact dermatitis. You shouldn’t try new products during this time either. Don’t be surprised if the cause turns out to be a product you’ve used for months or even years. Allergies can develop at any time, so you could react to a substance that’s never before caused a problem. In some cases, Dr. Darst may recommend Patch Testing. In a Patch Test, Dr. Darst’s assistant applies several common allergens to your back. It is protected with tape to occlude the allergens. You will be seen back at 2 days to remove the allergens. We will perform a preliminary reading at that time. You will return 5 to 7 days later for a final interpretation.

In the meantime, the condition can be treated with anti-itch cream and cold compresses. Severe cases require a prescription medication to reduce swelling and inflammation.

Testing has shown that you have allergic contact dermatitis.  This means that you are particularly sensitive to even an extremely small amount of certain substances.

You are so sensitive to these substances that if your skin comes in contact just one time with any of them, you may develop a rash. Itching, pinkness, small bumps, or blisters may appear within 4 hours, but usually starts 1 to 3 days after exposure to the substance.

You are so sensitive to these substances that if your skin comes into contact even once with one of them, you may  get  a  rash. The skin reaction lasts from 2 to 8 weeks, even if you don’t come into contact with the agent again.

If you have had many exposures over time, it may take 3 to 6 months for your skin to get completely better after you start avoiding the substances. If you come in contact with one of the substances again during that time, that can cause a significant set-back in your recovery.

You were not sensitive to these substances for most of your life. Allergy develops from repeated exposure. You were exposed enough times to these substances that you became sensitive to them.

You must remember that just because you weren’t sensitive to something in the past doesn’t mean that you are not sensitive to it now.

Your body has changed and is sensitive now to things that didn’t cause you  trouble before. You will be allergic to them for the rest of your life.

You will always need to avoid them. It is very important to learn how you can avoid the substances that cause your allergic reaction.