Rash is a general term that refers to a change in skin color and/or texture. There are several types of rash, which can be caused by several different factors such as allergies, the use of certain medications (such as antibiotics), fungal infections and even heat.
One type of rash that is particularly relevant and common is the contact dermatitis, which is going to be explored a bit more in this article.
- What is it?
It’s a type of skin irritation that is caused by contact with a specific substance.
- Symptoms
Common symptoms of contact dermatitis are red and irritated skin, similar to a burn. The skin can often get itchy, dry, thickened and blistered. The blisters can be crusty or weep and ooze. In some cases, this rash can cause pain.
Because it is caused by contact with substances, the hands and arms are usually the most affected (the hands are our main place of interaction with the world). This rash tends to be located only where the substance touched and doesn’t spread everywhere.
It is also common that the areas affected by it also get infected (because the protective layer of the skin is damaged).
- Causes
As mentioned before, the contact dermatitis is caused by contact with some specific substance. This substance can be something that the patient is allergic to or a substance that irritates the skin.
Some common causes are:
- Soaps and detergents
- Poison Ivy
- Jewelry containing nickel
- Diapers
- Diagnosis
Contact dermatitis is usually diagnosed by the patient. The observation of how the skin is behaving and if there is a pattern (if it happens when you use a certain soap, for example) is easily done.
But when the rash persists it’s always good to see a doctor, to make sure it is not something else.
- Treatment
The main thing to do is to avoid the substance that caused it. You should also clean the affected region with a neutral antiseptic soap and cold water. This removes any substance that could still be on your skin, and the cold water reduced the inflammation and helps with the pain. Cleaning the area also reduces the chances of infection. Moisturizers are used frequently to help restore the skin, but they should be used with caution because depending on the substances present in the cream, it can make it worse.
Depending on how serious and how persistent the rash is, you might need hydrocortisone creams or even antihistamines. If you think you may have Contact dermatitis contact our office today.