Contact dermatitis is inflammation of the skin due to exposure to certain substances that cause irritation or allergic reactions. Contact dermatitis can be characterized by rashes and itching on the skin.
Contact dermatitis isn't contagious or dangerous, but it can be uncomfortable for the sufferer. Treatment of contact dermatitis can be done by identifying and avoiding the causes of this condition.
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| Contact Dermatitis, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention, Complications |
Causes of Contact Dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is caused by exposure to substances that cause irritation or allergic reactions to the skin. Based on these causes, contact dermatitis is divided into:
Irritant contact dermatitis
Irritant contact dermatitis occurs when the skin comes in contact with certain substances that can cause damage to the protective layer of the skin. This type of dermatitis is most common.
Some substances that can trigger irritant contact dermatitis are soaps, detergents, shampoos, liquid bleach, substances in the air (eg sawdust or wool powder), plants, fertilizers, pesticides, acids, alkalis, machine oils, perfumes, and preservatives. .
Allergic contact dermatitis
Allergic contact dermatitis occurs when the skin comes into contact with an allergen that triggers the immune system to overreact. The reaction causes the affected skin area to become itchy and inflamed.
Allergen substances that often trigger allergic skin reactions include topical medications (eg antibiotic creams), airborne substances (eg pollen), plants, metal materials in jewelry, rubber, and cosmetic ingredients (eg nail polish and colorants). hair).
Risk factors for contact dermatitis
Contact dermatitis can happen to anyone. However, someone with the following conditions is more at risk of developing contact dermatitis:
- Have a job related to irritants or allergens, such as mining and construction workers, hairdressers, cleaners, or gardeners
- Suffering from other skin diseases, such as atopic dermatitis or psoriasis
- Have a history of allergies to certain substances
- Exposure to sunlight for too long while undergoing treatment with tetracycline or other drugs that cause sensitive skin
- Wearing jewelry for a long time, such as earrings containing nickel
Contact Dermatitis Symptoms
Symptoms of contact dermatitis can appear on any part of the body that has direct contact with the triggering substance. These symptoms can appear within minutes to several hours after contact occurs. Symptoms may also last for 2–4 weeks.
The following are some of the common symptoms of contact dermatitis:
- Red rash
- Itching of the skin which can be severe
- Dry, scaly, or cracked skin
- Blisters or water-filled blisters appear that can break and then dry up
- Warm or hot sensation on the skin
- Thick or dark skin
- The skin swells
- Skin hurts when pressed
Symptoms of contact dermatitis can vary for each patient, depending on the cause and sensitivity of the skin to trigger substances. Sufferers can also experience different symptoms from time to time.
When to see a doctor
Check with your doctor if you experience the symptoms mentioned, especially if the symptoms interfere with daily activities, get worse and spread, last more than 3 weeks, or have extended to the face and genitals.
Immediately consult a doctor if you experience the above symptoms accompanied by the conditions below:
- Signs of infection, such as fever, pus on the affected skin, and pain that is getting worse
- The rash extends to the inside of the mouth
- An irritant or allergic reaction that affects the eyes, nose or lungs
Diagnosis of Contact Dermatitis
To diagnose contact dermatitis, the doctor will ask a number of questions to the patient regarding the symptoms experienced, medical history, occupation, and topical or cosmetic drugs that are being used.
Next, the doctor will carry out a physical examination by looking at the condition of the skin that is suspected of having contact dermatitis. The physical examination aims to determine the pattern and severity of the rash on the skin.
For an accurate diagnosis, the doctor can carry out a series of examinations using substances that are suspected of triggering contact dermatitis. The examination includes:
Allergy test, by attaching a substance that is suspected of triggering allergic contact dermatitis to the skin for 2 days, then looking at the reaction on the skin
ROAT test or irritation test, by applying a certain substance to the same skin area twice a day for 7 days and seeing the reaction
Contact Dermatitis Treatment
Most contact dermatitis will go away on its own once there is no more contact between the skin and the substance that causes it. However, to relieve the symptoms that arise, there are several treatments that can be done, namely:
Self-care at home
As a first step in the treatment of contact dermatitis, sufferers can do independent care at home, such as:
- Cold compresses to areas affected by contact dermatitis
- Do not scratch the area affected by contact dermatitis
- Maintain hand hygiene by washing hands, so that the skin affected by contact dermatitis avoids infection
- Use a skin moisturizer, so the skin is not dry and heals faster
Drugs
If the above efforts don't show results, the doctor can prescribe medicines in the form of:
- Corticosteroid cream or ointment, such as hydrocortisone, applied to the skin twice daily
- Corticosteroid tablets, for contact dermatitis patients with large areas of skin
The two types of drugs above must be used according to doctor's advice. Excessive use can actually reduce the effectiveness of the drug, and even risk causing side effects that can worsen skin conditions.
Therapy
If the administration of the drugs above has not relieved the symptoms, the doctor can treat them using the following methods:
- Immunosuppressant therapy, to reduce inflammation by suppressing the body's immune system
- Phototherapy, to restore the appearance of the skin to its original appearance on the skin area affected by contact dermatitis
- Topical alitretinoin drug, to help regenerate new skin and reduce inflammation, especially in contact dermatitis on the hands
Contact Dermatitis Complications
Contact dermatitis that is not treated properly can cause complications, such as:
- Bacterial or fungal infection, especially if the rash is scratched a lot
- Cellulitis
- Open wound
- Changes in skin texture or the formation of scar tissue
- Change in skin color
- Disturbance of daily activities due to itching and embarrassment
Contact Dermatitis Prevention
The best way to prevent contact dermatitis is to identify and avoid allergens and irritants, for example by switching personal care products to hypoallergenic or unscented ones.
If trigger substances are difficult to avoid, there are several ways you can do to reduce the risk of developing contact dermatitis, namely:
- Cleanse the skin immediately after exposure to substances that cause irritation or allergic reactions
- Wearing protective clothing or gloves to reduce direct contact with allergens and irritants
- Using a moisturizer to improve the condition of the outermost layer of the skin so that the skin is healthier and less sensitive to substances that cause allergies or irritants
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