Two Types of Contact Dermatitis: Allergic and Irritant

Contact dermatitis is when the skin reacts to certain allergens and things that cause an allergic reaction, or the skin is affected by certain irritants that can cause skin irritation, eczematous reactions and inflammation. As you can understand, there are two types of this disease, the irritant type, and the allergic type. These are mostly diagnosed in adults rather than children or seniors.

The allergic type of this disease is a form of eczema that manifests when the skin react to some kind of allergen that it comes in contact with. It can be something that you use or wear on a regular basis. It is quite complex because some of these items of cause can hardly be avoided. These can be everyday products that are dominant household items

The cause of this type of eczema may be anything with metal, rubber or certain clothing fabrics. The metal from costume jewelry can cause outbreaks on the skin to anyone that has sensitivity to the metal used. Nickel allergy for example may cause allergic contact dermatitits.

The best thing to do is to stop the use of anything causing the inflammation. As long as you notice that the skin is increasingly inflamed, immediately discontinue the use of whatever it is that causes the reaction. Be careful when choosing jewelry and watches. Allergic contact dermatitis can be easily managed if you know what the cause is and what to stay away from.

When the skin is dry, it is more likely to be affected by irritant contact dermatitis. However, any contact with chemicals that are hard on your skin can cause an outbreak.

The difference between the irritant type and allergic type of dermatitis is the mechanism that generates the changes in the skin.

Some of the same products may cause both diseases like detergents, cleaning products, or soaps, and metals, but in one case the skin changes are caused by an allergic reaction, while in the other case it is caused by irritation of the skin. It is easy to understand that harsh chemicals may cause skin reactions. These reactions are called irritant contact dermatitis.

The cause of the disease is associated with allergens or irritants. The skin can become affected with this disease by any soap, skin products or perfumes that the skin is sensitive to. Contact dermatitis can be caused by allergic reaction to mercury, chrome or nickel, or any substance that can cause allergy, or even body lotions. Sometimes the ingredients can be too harsh for the skin, and cause irritant contact dermatitis. Detergents, acids and soaps should be suspected. Individuals with contact dermatitis may have reactions anywhere on the skin, but most well known is the hand eczema. Certain cosmetics can cause irritation to the skin. Other products that can cause this disease include hair dyes, sunscreens, lipstick, nail polish, and clothes dyes. Rubber hand gloves can cause severe reactions when there is a rubber allergy. Several symptoms are pointed to the onset of contact dermatitis. However, it should be noted that for different individuals, the symptoms might vary. To be sure, further advice and check up from a dermatologist should be obtained. The disease could get quite nasty if not properly treated. The severity of the disease depends on the treatment, care and maintenance of the disease.

Both types appear with dryness, cracks, scaling and redness to the skin,- a typical eczematous rash. There may be blistering of the skin and the area may itch uncontrollably. The skin may exhibit some type of scaling and may, if not treated develop superinfections with swelling. If appearing other places than where the exposure to the allergen has been, it may manifest as localized erythematous areas on the skin, sometimes with swelling and intense redness and itching.

In order to treat this disease is to find out the cause of it. Get a doctor or dermatologist to correctly diagnose the disease. Find out the things that affect your skin and stop using them or avoid contact with them. Make sure you treat your skin often with protective, fat based moisturisers, the best of which is tamanu oil . Wash all your clothing thoroughly especially if any has come in contact with the irritants that cause an allergic reaction.

Severe allergic reactions in the skin may give the reason for oral medication with antihistamines and steroids. Antibiotics may be necessary if the eczema is infected.

Don’t scratch the skin or it will cause further irritation. Instead of scratching the skin, soothe it with a cold compress with tamanu oil or other fat based protective moisturizers. It will provide relief. If the symptoms persist or get worse, seek the guidance of a physician who may be able to prescribe the appropriate medication or topical product for you (topical steroids). Hand eczemas of this nature respond especially well to tamanu oil, and the superinfections heal easily as well. Take regular warm baths to clean the skin. Don’t wear any watches or costume jewelry that irritates the skin. Take proper care of your skin with professionally selected skin care products.