In this Article:
01: What is dermatitis?02: What causes contact dermatitis?03: What are the symptoms of contact dermatitis?04: Treating contact dermatitis05: Preventing contact dermatitis06: Useful resourcesWhat is dermatitis?
Contact dermatitis is a type of eczema triggered by contact with a particular substance.
Irritant contact dermatitis can appear straight after being exposed to the irritant or could occur within 48 hours. Allergic contact dermatitis mainly affects the hands. The symptoms can appear immediately, or there may be a delayed reaction depending on the type of allergy you have.
Contact dermatitis usually improves or clears up completely if the irritant or allergen causing the problem is identified and can be avoided. There are also several treatments available to help ease the symptoms. If you’re concerned about dermatitis, your pharmacist can provide advice on the most appropriate course of action to help you manage your symptoms.
What causes contact dermatitis?
It might be helpful to understand the two main types of contact dermatitis in a little more detail:
Irritant contact dermatitis develops when the skin is in contact with irritating substances like detergents, solvents, and hot water. These can strip the skin of its natural oils. Dermatitis develops when there is regular or prolonged contact with these substances. The most important factors in causing this type of contact dermatitis are the frequency of exposure and, for detergents and solvents, how concentrated they are. It is possible for anyone to develop irritant contact dermatitis from handling irritating substances, or with frequent handwashing. It is more likely in people who have suffered from types of dermatitis in the past, such as childhood eczema.
Allergic contact dermatitis occurs when an allergy develops to a specific chemical or substance that has been in contact with the skin. Examples of these substances include hair dye, nail cosmetics, perfumes, metals such as nickel, rubber, and preservatives used in some cosmetic products. It is not known why some people who are exposed to these allergens develop an immune reaction to them while others don’t. It can be more common if you also live with eczema.
What are the symptoms of contact dermatitis?
Contact dermatitis causes the skin to become itchy, blistered, dry, and cracked. Lighter skin can become red, and darker skin can become dark brown, purple, or grey. This reaction usually occurs within a few hours or days of exposure to an irritant or allergen. Symptoms can affect any part of the body, most commonly the hands and face. Symptoms may vary depending on the cause. Irritant contact dermatitis symptoms can range from mild dryness, redness, burning, or stinging to very painful blisters. Allergic contact dermatitis can range from mild redness and itchiness to skin that becomes cracked and extremely itchy with a stinging sensation. It is important to seek immediate medical advice if you have a severe reaction and you think your skin has become infected.
To help you take control and manage your symptoms, speak to a pharmacist who can recommend treatments such as emollients to prevent skin dryness and irritation.
Treating contact dermatitis
Your skin will typically clear up if you can avoid contact with the irritant that’s triggered it and keep the affected area well moisturised. Sometimes this might not be possible, and you may be advised to try:
Emollients – moisturisers applied to the skin to stop it becoming dry
Topical corticosteroids – steroid ointments and creams applied to the skin to relieve severe symptoms
If you have a severe episode of contact dermatitis and it covers a large area of your skin, a doctor may prescribe oral corticosteroids, but this is rare.
Preventing contact dermatitis
If it’s not possible for you to avoid contact with substances that trigger your dermatitis, you can take some simple steps to reduce the risk of the allergens or irritants causing symptoms:
Cleaning your skin – if you come into contact with an allergen or irritant, rinse the affected skin with warm water and an emollient as soon as possible.
Using gloves to protect your hands – but take them off every now and again, as sweating can make any symptoms worse. You may find it useful to wear cotton gloves underneath rubber gloves if the rubber also irritates your skin.
Changing products that irritate your skin – check the ingredients in your skincare products to make sure they don’t contain any irritants or allergens. If they do, choose products specifically designed for sensitive skin with natural ingredients as much as possible.
Applying emollients frequently and generously – these will keep your skin hydrated and help protect it from allergens and irritants.
There is also a condition call seborrhoeic dermatitis, sometimes known as seborrhoeic eczema. This mainly affects the sides of the nose, eyebrows, ears, and scalp.