Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis usually presents as an eczematous rash and can be associated with blister formation. Skin can be easily rubbed off and oozes when the eruption is severe. In some instances, patients experience hives. Friction, low humidity and temperature of the skin can influence a contact dermatitis reaction.

Contact dermatitis is an eczematous skin disease that is caused by direct contact with another topical product. Most contact dermatitis reactions are dose related. The severity of the reaction depends on how long the exposure occurs, how much product contacts the skin and how irritating a particular substance is.

Besides nickel, there are a variety of agents which can cause a contact dermatitis reaction. Soaps and detergents are sources for the irritant form of contact dermatitis while materials such as rubber, perfumes, neomycin, preservatives and formaldehyde tend to induce the allergic variety. It is important to note that a contact dermatitis rash can occur in an area different from where skin is exposed. For example, in some instances, it is possible to be allergic to the rubber compounds found in tennis shoe soles and manifest a hand dermatitis. Our providers can help you sort out the sometime confusing details of a contact dermatitis rash.

Once the diagnosis of contact dermatitis is suspected, patch testing can be performed. Patch testing is performed in the office setting. Our providers will apply various strengths of topical compounds to the skin. They will then assess the tested areas in 48 hours to see if a localized skin rash develops. Once an allergen or irritant has been identified, the staff will review with you the sources of these agents. In this way you may practice avoidance techniques to avoid similar outbreaks in the future.

For those with contact dermatitis, we may recommend:

• Patch testing
• Avoidance of those allergens identified.
• Avoidance of irritant sources such as caustic soaps, detergents or solvents.
• Follow our Sensitive Skin Care Tips
• That personal protective clothing be worn. These include items such as cotton gloves.
• Cerave Moisturizer twice daily after gently wetting the skin. . Lipikar™ is another emollient that is wonderful to use after wetting your skin twice a day during increased flares. Please remember to minimize hot water exposure as dry skin can often exacerbate your tendency to develop contact dermatitis
• Potent topical corticosteroids as directed.
• Avoid bleaching your underwear.
• Apply nail polish or felt to underside of your watch if you are nickel allergic.
• Preparation H™ or Crazy Glue can help heal fissures on fingers and hands to heal. Apply to fissures twice a day.
• Avoid candies that contain cinnamon if cinnamic aldehyde is the source of your allergy and you have a oral rash.
• Avoidance of the Sun or other light source (e.g. tanning parlors) until your skin rash improves. (If we suspect a photoallergic or phototoxic reaction this would necessitate that you avoid excessive sun exposure.)
• Burrow’s Solution (Aluminum Acetate soaks). Soak cotton gauze with Burrow’s solution and leave on the affected area for 5 to 10 minutes. Repeat this procedure 3 to 4 times a day.
• Contact your employer for any relevant Material and Safety Data Sheets (MSD sheets). We can assess and test the sources in your work environment to see if they are causing your skin reaction.