Contact dermatitis is a skin condition caused by an allergic reaction to certain materials that come into contact with the skin. A common cause of rashes, contact dermatitis appears on the skin after contact with the offending material or substance has taken place. It may occur immediately after contact or may take several days to appear. Typically, contact dermatitis presents as a red, itchy rash. While not serious medically, the condition may be very uncomfortable.
Your provider at AllPhases Dermatology will tailor treatment to you. Potential treatments include:
- Taking a small skin biopsy or culture to confirm the diagnosis
- Over-the-counter creams
- Prescription corticosteroids or antihistamines
Contact Dermatitis FAQs
- What are the symptoms of contact dermatitis?
- Symptoms typically include redness, itching, swelling and sometimes blisters or dry, cracked skin. The severity of the symptoms can vary depending on the individual and the irritant or allergen involved.
- Is contact dermatitis contagious?
- No, contact dermatitis is not contagious. It is a localized reaction of the skin to an irritant or allergen and cannot be passed from person to person.
- Can contact dermatitis be prevented?
- Prevention involves identifying and avoiding the substances that trigger the reaction. This may require reading product labels carefully, wearing protective clothing or gloves when working with irritants and taking precautions to minimize contact with skin.