Symptoms of Contact Dermatitis
The Symptoms of Contact Dermatitis are diverse, as contact dermatitis is an inflammatory reaction that occurs on the skin due to exposure to a component that causes irritation or allergy. In addition, rash, itching, redness, and peeling are common symptoms, but it is not contagious or life-threatening. It may appear the first time we contact the component; or after some time of contact.
The fact of being acute or chronic depends on the duration of the disease: more than six weeks is acute and less than six weeks is chronic. If a first contact already causes injury, it is primary irritant contact dermatitis ; when it needs more than one exposure, it’s called allergic contact dermatitis.
Dermatitis can appear anywhere on the body and is very common in young children, who have more sensitive skin and are more susceptible to mites. In the case of adults, the most common is an allergic reaction to a certain element, such as allergy to jewelry, for example. Contact dermatitis can not be caught, as it is not contagious. It is an allergic reaction of the individual.
The cause of contact dermatitis is a reaction of the body to the substance that causes allergy. This reaction can occur when the individual comes into contact with:
- perfume, soaps.
- additives, preservatives or food coloring.
- mites, cat hair.
- detergents and other cleaning products.
- rubber, nickel from jewelry.
- some plants such as ivy, poison oak or poison sumac.
- solvents, paints, medications such as anti-inflammatories or antibiotics in the form of a cream or ointment.
Contact dermatitis can be triggered when the individual comes into contact with the harmful substance, which can be a sheet or mattress full of dust mites, for example.
Contact dermatitis is curable and, to achieve it, you must follow the treatment proposed by the doctor and avoid contact with the irritating substance. Often, an individual who has an allergy to a component will not be able to have contact with it for life.