Dr. Matt Zirwas, MD, FAAD
Physician
Dermatology
Specialty
Dermatologic Surgery,
General Dermatology
Medical Expertise of Dr. Matt Zirwas, MD, FAAD
Dr. Matthew Zirwas is a nationally recognized expert in eczema, psoriasis, and contact dermatitis, treating both adults and children.
Dr. Zirwas has particular expertise in the treatment and and management of allergic contact dermatitis and is a member of the esteemed American Contact Dermatitis Society.
About Dr. Matt Zirwas, MD, FAAD
Matt Zirwas, MD is a board-certified dermatologists providing medical dermatology care to patients in he Columbus Ohio area at Bexley Dermatology.
Formerly a Professor of Dermatology at Ohio State University, Dr. Matthew Zirwas founded Bexley Dermatology in Bexley, Ohio with his wife Dr. Jill Fichtel. Dr. Zirwas and Dr. Fichtel offer comprehensive skin care care at Bexley Dermatology for patients of all ages.
Dr. Zirwas previously served in several academic postions in the field of dermatology, including
- Clinical Professor, Ohio State University – Department of Dermatology
- Director, Ohio Contact Dermatitis Center
- Dermatology Residency Training Program Director, Ohio State University Medical School, 2006 - 2015
Conditions Treated
Acne
Aging Skin & Wrinkles
Allergic Contact Dermatitis
Atopic Dermatitis
Hair Loss (Balding)
Psoriasis
Rosacea
Seborrheic Keratosis
Skin Cancer
Warts
Procedures & Services
Biologic Medications for Psoriasis
Patch Testing for Contact Dermatitis
Tips & Wisdom
Key Points About Contact Dermatitis
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 sk...
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 sk...
5-FU (5-Fluorouracil), Topical
Note: 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is very poisonous when ingested by dogs or cats. Even tiny amounts can be very toxic, resulting in acute gastrointestinal signs (e.g., vomiting, diarrhea), central nervous system signs (e.g., severe tremors, seizures, etc.), bone marrow suppression, and possible death. Care should be taken to prevent ingestion of this medication by pets.
Note: 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is very poisonous when ingested by dogs or cats. Even tiny amounts can be very toxic, resulting in acute gastrointestinal signs (e.g., vomiting, diarrhea), central nervous system signs (e.g., severe tremors, seizures, etc.), bone marrow suppression, and possible death. Care should be taken to prevent ingestion of this medication by pets.
Patient Education Resources
Acrylates Allergy
Synonyms: Many different types, all have “acrylate” in the name What are they? Acrylates are chemicals that start as liquids or powders, to which other chemicals, heat, or light is applied, causing acrylates to harden into solid substances. Acrylates are used: 1) as powerful glues; 2) and for configuring shapes since as a liquid or paste it can be molded and then hardened permanently into any shape. Where found? Acrylates can be used in/for making the ...
Synonyms: Many different types, all have “acrylate” in the name What are they? Acrylates are chemicals that start as liquids or powders, to which other chemicals, heat, or light is applied, causing acrylates to harden into solid substances. Acrylates are used: 1) as powerful glues; 2) and for configuring shapes since as a liquid or paste it can be molded and then hardened permanently into any shape. Where found? Acrylates can be used in/for making the ...
Ammonium Persulfate Allergy
Where is ammonium persulfate found? Ammonium persulfate is an oxidizing agent and is used in cleaners for laboratory glassware. It is also used as an oxidating agent for vat dyes and in the bleaching and discoloring of oil. It is also used as a hair bleaching agent. How can you avoid contact with ammonium persulfate? Avoid products that list any of the following names in the ingredients: peroxydisulfate persulfate peroxydisulfate peroxydisulphate peroxymonosulfate monope...
Where is ammonium persulfate found? Ammonium persulfate is an oxidizing agent and is used in cleaners for laboratory glassware. It is also used as an oxidating agent for vat dyes and in the bleaching and discoloring of oil. It is also used as a hair bleaching agent. How can you avoid contact with ammonium persulfate? Avoid products that list any of the following names in the ingredients: peroxydisulfate persulfate peroxydisulfate peroxydisulphate peroxymonosulfate monope...
Bacitracin Allergy
Allergy testing has shown that you are sensitive to BACITRACIN. This means that you may develop a rash when products that contain BACITRACIN contact your skin. The main use of BACITRACIN is in antibacterial skin creams and ointments, such as “Neosporin” and “Polysporin” and generic forms of these products called “Triple Antibiotic Ointment” and “Double Antibiotic Ointment”. BACITRACIN is also used in some eyedrops, eye ointments, and ea...
Allergy testing has shown that you are sensitive to BACITRACIN. This means that you may develop a rash when products that contain BACITRACIN contact your skin. The main use of BACITRACIN is in antibacterial skin creams and ointments, such as “Neosporin” and “Polysporin” and generic forms of these products called “Triple Antibiotic Ointment” and “Double Antibiotic Ointment”. BACITRACIN is also used in some eyedrops, eye ointments, and ea...
Caine Anesthetics Allergy
“Caine” anesthetics are used in creams, sprays, gels, etc that are supposed to relieve pain or itching. They are NOT in “regular” products. They are also used as injections before dental work or skin surgeries to numb the area. There are two types of “caine”. One type has at least two of the letter “i” in the name (the amide group) and the other type has only one letter “i” in the name (the ester group). Almost ever...
“Caine” anesthetics are used in creams, sprays, gels, etc that are supposed to relieve pain or itching. They are NOT in “regular” products. They are also used as injections before dental work or skin surgeries to numb the area. There are two types of “caine”. One type has at least two of the letter “i” in the name (the amide group) and the other type has only one letter “i” in the name (the ester group). Almost ever...
Carmine Allergy
Carmine is a red powder. Other names for it are: crimson lake or carmine lake, cochineal, natural red 4,C.I. 75470,or E120 The most common exposure to carmine is in make-up, especially: eye shadow blush mascara lipstick Other less common exposures include: Artificial flowers Paints Red Foods, including: Yougurt Candy Juice Ice Cream Allergic reactions from car...
Carmine is a red powder. Other names for it are: crimson lake or carmine lake, cochineal, natural red 4,C.I. 75470,or E120 The most common exposure to carmine is in make-up, especially: eye shadow blush mascara lipstick Other less common exposures include: Artificial flowers Paints Red Foods, including: Yougurt Candy Juice Ice Cream Allergic reactions from car...
Carvone Allergy
Carvone is naturally in a number of essential oils, but is most abundant in the oils from seeds of caraway (Carum carvi), spearmint (Mentha spicata), and dill. Foods Carvone is in caraway, dill and spearmint. Most people who are allergic to it won’t have a problem when eating these foods, but might have a problem if handling them while cooking. How to avoid it: Avoid handling the foods listed above. Avoid any creams, lip balms, or other products...
Carvone is naturally in a number of essential oils, but is most abundant in the oils from seeds of caraway (Carum carvi), spearmint (Mentha spicata), and dill. Foods Carvone is in caraway, dill and spearmint. Most people who are allergic to it won’t have a problem when eating these foods, but might have a problem if handling them while cooking. How to avoid it: Avoid handling the foods listed above. Avoid any creams, lip balms, or other products...
Chlorhexidine Allergy
What is it? Chlorhexidine is an antibacterial compound used mainly in soaps and disinfectants used to prepare the skin before surgery. It is in some antibacterial hand soaps and is added to personal care products as a preservative. Where might it be found? Shampoo Hair conditioners Hairstyling products Hand Soaps Mouthwash Pre-surgery Scrubs Pre-surgery skin preps Oral surgical prep Dairy cow teat care ...
What is it? Chlorhexidine is an antibacterial compound used mainly in soaps and disinfectants used to prepare the skin before surgery. It is in some antibacterial hand soaps and is added to personal care products as a preservative. Where might it be found? Shampoo Hair conditioners Hairstyling products Hand Soaps Mouthwash Pre-surgery Scrubs Pre-surgery skin preps Oral surgical prep Dairy cow teat care ...
Chloroxylenol Allergy
What is it? Chlorhexidine is an antibacterial compound used mainly in soaps and disinfectants used to prepare the skin before surgery. It is in some antibacterial hand soaps and is added to personal care products as a preservative. Where might it be found? Shampoo Hair conditioners Hair styling products Hand Soaps Mouthwash Pre-surgery Scrubs Pre-surgery skin preps Oral surgical prep Dairy cow teat care ...
What is it? Chlorhexidine is an antibacterial compound used mainly in soaps and disinfectants used to prepare the skin before surgery. It is in some antibacterial hand soaps and is added to personal care products as a preservative. Where might it be found? Shampoo Hair conditioners Hair styling products Hand Soaps Mouthwash Pre-surgery Scrubs Pre-surgery skin preps Oral surgical prep Dairy cow teat care ...
Education & Training
- Undergraduate Degree (BS) – University of Pittsburgh 1992-1996
- Medical Degree (MD) – University of Pittsburgh – 1996-2000
- Dermatology Residency: University of Pittsburgh – 2001-2004
Professional Affiliations
Bexley Dermatology
Located throughout the Midwest, Dermatologists of Central States (DOCS) is one of the largest and most established dermatology practices in the nation. With more than 70 total providers, we have been serving patients for over 40 years. At DOCS, we strive to put the patient first with an emphasis on medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology. We are dedicated to providing easy access to high quality dermatologic care in an environment that is consistently friendly, convenient, courteous and caring.