How to understand contact dermatitis?
Contact dermatitis: Causes, symptoms and treatment: how to understand contact dermatitis?
How to know the signs and symptoms of contact dermatitis. Contact dermatitis can be divided according to the cause of its occurrence: allergic, irritant and toxic.
Allergic contact dermatitis (allergic eczema)
occurs when the immune system reacts to an allergen. The allergic person is usually allergic to one, sometimes two allergens. Only rarely to more than five. The allergy sufferer's body overreacts to even a single molecule of the allergen. The allergic reaction may not only occur at the point of contact, but the person may choke, have abdominal pain, temperature, swelling, rash all over the body. In such cases, the administration of drugs with antihistamines, corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive drugs is necessary.
Irritant contact dermatitis (contact eczema)
occurs with prolonged or repeated exposure to various substances that disrupt the skin's natural protective barrier. The skin can become hypersensitive especially with frequent contact with household chemicals, working with animal and plant juices, dust, hair and feathers, soil, soaps, detergents, cosmetics, etc. Reactions to chlorinated water and disinfectants are common. The immune system does not react, only the site of contact.
Treatment of both allergic and irritant dermatitis: mild to moderate cases can be treated with over-the-counter hydrocortisone creams or ointments that relieve inflammation and itching. Black tea compresses can be used to soothe itching or a light hypermanganese bath for disinfection and drying. Calamine or zinc cream, antihistamines or emollients may also help to relieve symptoms. In more severe cases, prescription corticosteroids may be necessary.
Toxic contact dermatitis
is caused by direct damage to the skin as a result of exposure to aggressive substances. These substances include chemicals such as acids and alkalis. Also, some plant substances are so-called phototoxic. This means that if, for example, the juice of a parsnip gets on the skin and the skin is subsequently exposed to the sun, the reaction causes blister-like burns and 'age spots'. Toxic dermatitis occurs in every person and only in the area that has been contaminated by the substance. Mild to moderate damage can be healed without the assistance of a doctor.
Treatment of toxic dermatitis. Never puncture blisters.
The main aim of treatment of contact dermatitis is to relieve symptoms, promote healing and prevent future flare-ups. The following approaches are commonly used. It is essential to identify and avoid substances or allergens that trigger dermatitis. In the case of allergic contact dermatitis, patch testing can help identify specific allergens. Wear protective clothing, gloves or barriers when handling chemicals or substances that may cause irritation. Read product labels carefully to identify potential irritants or allergens. Keep skin well moisturized to maintain its protective barrier. Dermaguard Barrier Cream helps to strengthen the skin's protective barrier. It gives protection and hydration to disturbed skin for several hours. If you suffer from occasional contact dermatitis, the cream is an ideal helper. Using it before working will reduce the appearance and manifestation of contact dermatitis.
