When chemicals come in contact with the skin, a reaction is caused leading to a skin condition called Dermatitis. Irritated and red skin may develop if a new type of product is used for skincare. In most cases, the dermatitis reaction is not severe however till the itching sensation goes away, it can be very unpleasant.
Depending on how sensitive the skin is the skin, various symptoms of the disease are experienced. In the case of allergic contact dermatitis the person experiences, skin redness, flaky, scaly and dry skin, burning skin, oozing blisters, sensitivity to sun, hives, leathery or darkened skin, extreme itching and swelling in areas around the groin, face and eyes. In the case of irritant contact dermatitis the person experiences swelling, blistering, ulcerations, cracks in skin due to extreme dryness, tight or stiff skin and open sores that form crusts.
Dermatitis is mainly of three types, including allergic contact dermatitis, irritant contact dermatitis and photo-contact dermatitis.
Photo-contact dermatitis is not very common. This skin condition causes irritation only when active ingredients in a skin product are exposed to the sun.
Allergic contact dermatitis is a condition when allergic reaction develops. Allergic contact dermatitis occurs when an allergic reaction develops in the skin after exposure to any foreign substance. Inflammatory chemicals released by the body can cause irritated and itchy skin. There are different causes to allergic contact dermatitis including latex gloves, gold or nickel jewelry, poison ivy or poison oak, chemicals or perfumes in skincare and cosmetic products.
What is the treatment for dermatitis?
Causes for irritant contact dermatitis include toxic substances like bleach, pepper spray, battery acid, detergents and kerosene. When there is too much exposure to less irritating materials like water or soap then too it could cause irritant contact dermatitis. Generally contact dermatitis goes away on its own when the skin is no longer in contact with the substance. Few tips to follow include using anti itch treatments like hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion, soothing the area by applying bland petroleum jelly, using lukewarm water and mild soap to remove any irritants and clean the skin, avoid scratching the irritated area and best of all avoid products that could cause the problem.
What is dermatitis of the skin?
The disease isn’t a cause for concern. Medical advice must be sought however if the rash appears close to the mouth or eye area or on larger part of the body or if it does not get cured with treatment. If home treatments do not work then a more potent steroid cream may be advised by the medical practitioner to soothe the skin.
