Eczema is a condition that causes the skin to become itchy and inflamed. Eczema is very common, in fact, it affects more than 31 million Americans. This skin condition is not contagious and you cannot catch it from someone who already has this condition. One type of eczema is contact dermatitis. Contact dermatitis is a condition where you develop red, irritated skin as a reaction to certain substances when you touch them. Some of these substances include cosmetics, fragrances, and jewelry.
If you notice changes in the appearance of your skin or if you develop skin rashes and/or irritation, you can consult the best dermatologist in East New York. Please contact Doral Health and Wellness Dermatology Center to schedule an appointment.
There are two types of contact dermatitis: allergic contact dermatitis and irritant contact dermatitis. Allergic contact dermatitis is a delayed hypersensitivity reaction to allergens, while irritant contact dermatitis is a painful rash that comes quickly as a response when you touch an irritating substance.
Symptoms
The main symptom of contact dermatitis is a rash on your skin that is usually:
- Very itchy
- Swollen
- Darker than your natural skin color
- Painful, with a stinging sensation
- Dry, cracked, and/or scaly
- Tender
Causes
Contact dermatitis happens when you get physical contact with an allergen. If your body doesn’t like something that touches your skin, your immune system responds by making your skin swell. This means that your white blood cells are responding to the allergen and causing an itchy rash. The rash can appear within minutes of contact or it could take hours and days after exposure.
The most common cause of allergic contact dermatitis can include:
- Metals
- Plants or part of a plant
- Skincare products
- Medications
- Chemicals
While for irritant contact dermatitis, the common causes can include:
- Body fluids
- Hair dyes
- Cleaning products
- Acids
- Paints
- Solvents, such as nail polish remover
- Soaps and detergents
- Plastics
Treatment
Treatment for both types of contact dermatitis are the same, depending on the severity of your symptoms, you can treat contact dermatitis with medications. Taking medicine to relieve swelling and itching by taking over-the-counter anti-itch creams or oral antihistamines. You can also try some home remedies to help soothe the itching on your skin, which includes:
- if you already came in contact with the allergen, wash your skin with mild soap right away.
- Apply hydrocortisone on your skin.
- If your skin is blistering, apply a cold compress for at least 30 minutes, three times a day.
- Apply moisturizers on your skin to help restore the protective layer.
- Take oral histamine to relieve your itching.
As much as possible, try to avoid allergens, especially if you can already identify what causes your skin to rash.
Each form of eczema has its own set of symptoms and triggers, and will most likely need treatment. This is why it is important that you have your condition checked by a dermatologist. A dermatologist can and will help you manage your symptoms and avoid further flare-ups.
At Doral Health and Wellness Dermatology Center, we have the best dermatologists that can help you take care of your skin. As dermatology experts in East New York, we are dedicated in providing the best services. You can visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, New York, 11212, to schedule an appointment. You can also call us at 1-347-384-5690 or visit our website at https://www.bestbrooklyndermatologist.com.