subject: The Causes of Contact Dermatitis [print this page] The Causes of Contact Dermatitis The Causes of Contact Dermatitis
The recommended contact dermatitis treatment in your particular situation will depend on several factors. Contact dermatitis is a type of eczema caused by exposure to substances in the environment. Therefore, figuring out what is causing contact dermatitis and then avoiding it will go a long way toward helping current symptoms, as well as preventing a reoccurrence in the future.
Contact dermatitis is one of the inflammations that target the skin. This is caused by a direct contact with allergy-inducing substances or irritations. People with contact dermatitis may react to the symptoms is varied ways. If a person has history with any type of allergy, the risk for contact dermatitis is high. Causes of contact dermatitis involve direct exposure to acids or alkaline materials like soap, detergents, solvents, and other harmful chemicals. Contact dermatitis often indicates reaction in the skin similar to a minor burn.
You may know what caused the inflammation -- for example, recent hand contact with a corrosive, such as an oven cleaner -- or you may not have a clue. Your hobbies, diet, occupation, sports activities, clothing, and cosmetics -- as well as medications that are taken internally -- should all come under suspicion.
Depending on the severity of a patient's contact dermatitis, treatment with medications may also be recommended. Most of the time, these medications are applied directly to the skin. For example, for mild contact dermatitis, a 1-percent hydrocortisone topical preparation (available as an ointment, cream, or lotion) available over the counter can be applied to the skin to relieve the itchiness, redness, scaling, and swelling. These medicines should not be used internally or on children under two years old.
Depending on the cause of contact dermatitis, your healthcare provider may recommend other treatments. For example, treatment for poison oak or ivy may also include:
Thoroughly washing the skin with soap and water as soon as possible after the exposure.
Washing clothing and all objects that touched the plant to prevent re-exposure.
Using cold wet compresses with saline, water, milk, or aluminum subacetate.
Shake lotions, such as calamine lotion. As the name implies, shake lotions must be shaken before being applied in order to mix the active ingredient. These medicines help with itching, but should not be used for extended periods of time.
For other cases of contact dermatitis, your healthcare provider may recommend lubricating creams and ointments to help restore the skin's moisture, increase the rate of healing, and establish a barrier against further drying and irritation.
