Contact dermatitis is one of the most common dermatological diseases, affecting millions of people around the world. Although it can be bothersome and unpleasant, understanding its causes and treatment is key to providing relief and reducing the risk of future episodes. In this article you will learn what exactly contact dermatitis is, what its causes are and how to treat it effectively.
What is contact dermatitis?
Contact dermatitis is a skin reaction caused by contact with an irritating or allergic substance. It is an inflammation of the skin that may occur after contact with chemicals such as detergents, cleaning products, cosmetics, paints or metals, or plant substances such as ivy or poison ivy. This disease can affect anyone, regardless of age or gender, but it is more common in people with sensitive skin.
Depending on the time of onset, contact dermatitis can be divided into two types: immediate contact dermatitis (a reaction caused by an irritant) and delayed contact dermatitis (an allergic reaction that occurs several days after contact with an allergen). Symptoms vary depending on the type and severity of the reaction, but common to both types are burning and itching of the skin, redness, vesicles and redness.
What are the causes of contact dermatitis?
Contact dermatitis is caused by contact with the skin or with an irritating substance that causes various allergic symptoms. The skin may also react to exposure to air or food allergens, or even sunlight. Some people are more susceptible to developing the disease due to a genetic predisposition. In the case of immediate contact dermatitis, typical irritants include harmful chemicals such as detergents, acids and solvents, but also metals and some drugs. Delayed contact dermatitis is usually a reaction to substances of plant or synthetic origin, such as perfumes, dyes or preservatives.
Treatment of contact dermatitis
Treatment of contact dermatitis depends on the cause and type of disease. In some cases, avoiding contact with the allergen or irritant is enough to prevent further episodes. In cases of immediate contact dermatitis, treatment of symptoms such as redness and pain with antihistamine or corticosteroid creams is often required. For delayed contact dermatitis, treatment involves identifying and avoiding the substances that trigger the reaction and using antihistamine and corticosteroid creams.
There are many over-the-counter products that can help relieve the symptoms of contact dermatitis, but for more severe cases, consulting a dermatologist is recommended. In some cases, it may also be necessary to prescribe oral medications or antibiotics to fight the infection.
In conclusion, contact dermatitis is a very common and unpleasant disease, but with proper knowledge and treatment it can be effectively controlled. If you are prone to allergic reactions or have sensitive skin, pay attention to the substances you come into contact with and avoid exposure to them. However, if you experience symptoms of contact dermatitis, consult your doctor immediately for appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Remember that prevention is always better than cure, so try to avoid irritating substances and allergens to avoid unpleasant symptoms.
Comments