How Is Allergic Contact Dermatitis Treated
Allergic contact dermatitis is best treated by identifying and avoiding the allergen that you are sensitized to.
For symptom relief, applying a hydrocortisone cream and taking an antihistamine can help stop itching. Your doctor may prescribe topical steroids, and if the condition is widespread and more severe, it can be treated with systemic steroids such as Prednisone, which doctors will sometimes prescribe to ensure that the condition is fully treated. It can take a week to 10 days for the rash to resolve, but patients should experience relief from itchiness shortly after treatment begins.
Fully evaluating allergic contact dermatitis through patch testing, especially when its recurrent, can provide a patient with substantial quality of life improvements. According to Dr. Choate, The minute that you figure out what’s causing reactions, you can have patients modify their lifestyles and everything goes away. It’s really remarkable.
Tips For Managing Sensitive Skin
Now that you know what causes sensitive skin and how to tell if you have it, lets talk about ways to manage your sensitive skin so it doesnt become a problem. If you have sensitive skin, there are a few things you can do to make sure your skin remains healthy.
Start with a Sensitive Skin Routine. First and foremost, you should start a regimen designed for sensitive skin. That way, you can be sure that you arent putting anything harmful on your skin. A great addition to your sensitive skin routine is our entirely plant based moisturizer.
Exfoliate Gently. Some people with sensitive skin choose to avoid exfoliating altogether, but thats not recommended. Exfoliating once or twice a week is great for sensitive skin, as long as you do it gently.
Avoid Irritants. Avoiding irritants like strong soaps and cleansers can be helpful for those with sensitive skin.
Moisturize. Its also important to moisturize your skin regularly. Dry skin is more likely to break out and be sensitive, so moisturizing is a good habit to get into.
Wear Sunscreen. And finally, dont forget to wear sunscreen. Sensitive skin is more susceptible to sun damage, so sunscreen is necessary.
Cold Bath Or Cold Compress
Cold Shower helps reduce skin irritation and allergies
Unless your skin allergy is triggered by cold , a cold shower could be just what you need. During an allergic reaction, a chemical called histamine is released from our immune cells. It seeps out of the blood vessels and enters the tissue beneath the skin. This then directs an allergic reaction. A cold shower shrinks your blood vessels and doesnt allow the histamine to come out of the blood vessels. This reduces the severity of the allergic reaction. A cold shower also helps reduce skin irritation.
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What Is Skin Allergy
Skin allergy commonly occurs when your skin comes in contact with anything that makes it sensitive or allergic. This disease may happen in anyone, especially in people with hypersensitivity and low resistance. It is a chronic disease and is prone to outbreaks and self-healing after a period of time. It may occur in any area of the skin, but the most common area is the back of the knee and the arm. The disease tends to explode periodically and progressively decreases. Skin allergies usually include skin allergy due to skin contact and skin allergy due to weather changes .
Skin allergy is a common condition that is not contagious, but it makes you feel uncomfortable. Skin allergy causes the skin to become irritated, itchy, dry and flaky. It may make you itch very much, affecting your sleep and daily activities. When you have the skin allergy, you may have another condition such as asthma or allergic rhinitis. With mild conditions, you can control the disease right at home. But with severe conditions, seek medical assistance to prevent the condition from worsening.
What Are Common Causes Of Skin Allergy?
Common causes of skin allergy include:
Which Products And Medicines Should You Use If You Have An Allergic Reaction
Ideally, using a medium-potency steroid would be best, but even a low-potency option such as hydrocortisone will help, as will anti-inflammatories, Benadryl and calamine ointments, says Dr. Baum. Putting the creams in the refrigerator will help, too, because cold compresses help calm the itch. Depending on the type of reaction, certain patients may need an EpiPen for skin reactions as well, although this is rare.
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What To Remember When Trying New Skincare Products
When you try a new skincare product, test is for two or three days in just one spot with a cotton pad. Somewhere discreet. This way youll get a read on how your skin will react to it, before applying it all over. This avoids big, and devastating allergic reactions like the one you mentioned. If you have more reactions, call your dermatologist and ask for something called patch testing to help identify chemicals in skincare products you are allergic to.
I have sensitive skin, as I mentioned. So I do what I advise my patients to do when buying new skincare products and makeups: look for these ingredients, which you should try and avoid. These ingredients are big culprits in causing skin sensitivity issues:
- Propylene glycol
SkinTour is my personal skin care blog. I built it to provide expert, unbiased skincare information to you about skin health and beauty, products, lasers, injectibles and other devices. I wrote all of the content, and I have no financial ties to any pharma, device or cosmetic companies. Im board-certified in Dermatology and Internal Medicine, have published two books, and been a guest expert on The Oprah Show. If you have questions about best skin care products, or best skin treatment options for various problems or needs, search in the top header for existing content, or click “ask a question” to submit your own!
Thank you for visiting SkinTour! Dr. Brandith Irwin
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- Hair dye, hair straighteners
- Nickel a metal found in jewelry and buckles
- If the patient is sensitive to rubber material, they may be allergic to certain fruits such as butter, kiwi, and chestnut these patients are prone to itching and local rash.
- Some nuts may cause skin allergies such as pecans, pistachios, pine nuts, walnuts. One of the most common food allergens is peanuts. People who are allergic to peanut cause very serious effects.
- Other foods containing allergenic proteins include soybeans, wheat, fish , seafood , fruit , vegetables, spices , synthetic and natural colors, chemical additives and chickens.
- Citrus fruits, especially their shell
- The scent of soap, shampoo, perfume, and cosmetics
- Some special medications used on the skin.
- Environmental pollution, smoke, and dust
- Change of weather
What Are Common Symptoms Of Skin Allergy?
Skinallergies often cause inflammation, rashes, and swelling within the skin. Skin allergy may be different in infants, children, and adults. These symptoms include:
- The itching occurs more in the evening
- Red or brownish skin areas appear on the arms, legs, ankles, wrists, neck, chest, eyelids, elbows or knees.
- Skin is thick, dry and flaky
- Skin is sensitive and swollen by scratching
Who Is At High Risk Of This Problem?
Some risk factors for developing skin allergy include:
When To See A Doctor?
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How To Immediately Treat A Reaction
No matter which kind of reaction you’re having, the first thing you should do is stop using the product. If you’re experiencing any symptoms like swelling in the face or eyes, difficulty breathing due to swelling in the throat, or confusion, you should seek immediate medical care, as these could be signs of a life-threatening allergic reaction. And if you’re not sure what you’re dealing with exactly, it’s crucial to check in with a dermatologist.
But if you just have some mild irritation or allergies, there are some things you can do at home or with the guidance of a dermatologist to feel better:
- Wash the product off your face with cold water or use a cold compress to soothe some of that stinging feeling.
- Apply an over-the-counter 1 percent hydrocortisone cream to help manage the itchiness.
- Take an oral antihistamine to help treat the itchiness.
- Stop using the product!
For more severe reactions, your dermatologist may prescribe a topical corticosteroid cream or an oral steroid medication to reduce the inflammation.
Types Of Facial Eczema
Eczema is actually a term for a group of conditions that cause itchy, red, and inflamed skin rashes. The types of eczema that are most likely to appear on the face are:
- Atopic dermatitis: This is the most common type of eczema overall. It is very common on the cheeks and chin, especially in infants. It can also appear around the eyes, on the eyelids, and around the lips. It can, however, occur anywhere on the face or the rest of the body.
- Contact dermatitis: This is also a common type of eczema. It is a skin reaction to a specific irritant. On the face, it is usually found around the eyes, the hairline, and in areas that contact perfumes and jewelry, like the neck and earlobes. But, like atopic dermatitis, this type of eczema can occur anywhere.
- Seborrheic dermatitis: This type most often occurs around the hairline, in the eyebrows, around the ears, and on the sides of the nose.
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What Are The Risk Factors For Contact Dermatitis
Because so many things can ignite irritant or allergic reactions, contact dermatitis isnt associated with specific, easily identifiable risk factors. But people who spend a lot of time outdoors or who work in an industrial setting are likely to experience this skin condition.
I think contact dermatitis happens for most weekend warriors out there who like to go into the mountains and go into their gardens and spend their time outdoors,” says Dr. Choate.
It also can occur in people who work in industrial settings. Many compounds used in industrial materials such as cement and rubber can be allergens. “There are literally hundreds of things that people can have irritant or allergic reactions to, Dr. Choate says.
What Causes Allergic Contact Dermatitis
Allergic contact dermatitis can be caused by a wide variety of allergens and requires a minimum of two separate exposures. The first exposure sensitizes the person to the agent in question, while the second exposure brings on the rash.
According to Dr. Choate, allergic contact dermatitis is a condition that causes progressively more serious reactions. It typically can worsen over time. The initial rash may be relatively mild, he says. “And each subsequent time you’re exposed, it can actually get worse and worse until it reaches a maximum severity.
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Treatment For Drug Allergies
In most drug allergy cases, your doctor should be able to prescribe an alternative medication. Antihistamines, corticosteroids, or epinephrine may be needed for more serious reactions.
Otherwise, your doctor may recommend a desensitization procedure. This means taking small doses of the medication until your body can handle your dosage.
Natural Remedies For Organ
These are the most common remedies for allergies that affect specific organs.
Bee stings. Bee venom allergy is a common organ-specific allergy. Bee stings can cause an itchy red rash that can become blistered as well as swelling and discomfort.
Peanut allergy. Peanut allergy is one of the most common food allergies. If you are allergic to peanuts, you will likely experience itching, swelling, redness and hives.
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Use Stress Management Techniques
If you are feeling acute stress, try some fast-acting stress relievers that may help provide some more immediate relief. Deep breathing can be an effective way to calm your body and mind, but other strategies like taking a walk around the block or doing a few minutes of quiet meditation can also help.
If your hives are accompanied by other symptoms of an allergic reaction such as swelling of the face or lips, wheezing, or difficulty breathing, you should seek immediate medical attention. It may be a sign of a serious, possibly life-threatening allergic reaction.
You should also talk to a doctor if your hives worsen or last longer than six weeks. Hives that persist longer than six weeks are considered chronic and may not go away on their own without medical attention.
Causes Of An Anxiety Rash
Hives are often the result of an allergic reaction to something in your environment. But emotional stress can cause a rash, too. This is because stress can trigger a response in the sympathetic nervous system, leading to the release of histamine.
Histamine is a compound that is normally produced by the body in response to injury, allergies, and inflammatory reactions, but it can also be triggered by stress.
Most commonly, hives are a result of one of the following causes:
If you’ve ruled out these common causes, it’s possible that stress is a factor.
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Are ‘natural’ Skin Products Irritating Your Skin
by Sascha Zubryd Humphrey, Stanford University
Sensitive skin is a painsometimes literallyand for skin allergy sufferers, contact with an allergen causes an itchy red rash that may last for weeks. Common skin care products such as soaps, serums and lotions can trigger or worsen the irritation.
Sufferers in search of gentler skin care products may turn to “natural” options, hoping they’ll live up to the claims of an even, healthy-looking complexion. But are these products less likely to cause skin irritation?
To answer this question, Stanford Medicine researchers examined the websites of three national grocery and drug store chains, seeking skin care products labeled as “natural.” They then scoured their ingredient lists to determine whether the products contained common skin allergens.
Stanford Medicine dermatologist Gordon Bae, MD, and medical student Haiwen Gui discussed the results of the study, which was published in JAMA Dermatology last month, and what it means for consumers.
Many skin care products are marketed as natural, implying that they’re somehow better, safer or gentler on skin than other products. What does it actually mean when a product is labeled ‘natural?’
Gui: On the major retail websites we analyzed, there’s a separate, well-marketed group of products that are labeled as “natural,” “healthy for your skin” and “good for people who have sensitive skin.” But those labels can be misleading since there aren’t any guidelines or oversight.
More information:
How To Use Emollients
Use your emollient all the time, even if youre not experiencing symptoms.
Many people find it helpful to keep separate supplies of emollients at work or school, or a tub in the bathroom and one in a living area.
To apply the emollient:
- use a large amount
- do not rub it in smooth it into the skin in the same direction the hair grows
- after a bath or shower, gently pat the skin dry and apply the emollient while the skin is still moist to keep the moisture in
You should use an emollient at least twice a day if you can, or more often if you have very dry skin.
During a flare-up, apply generous amounts of emollient more frequently, but remember to treat inflamed skin with a topical corticosteroid as emollients used on their own are not enough to control it.
Do not put your fingers into an emollient pot use a spoon or pump dispenser instead, as this reduces the risk of infection. And never share your emollient with other people.
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Feel Like Your Skin Is On Fire Heres What You Need To Know About Eczema
According to the National Eczema Association, one in ten people in the United States will develop eczema during their lifetime.
Also referred to as atopic dermatitis, eczema is a non-contagious, chronic skin condition that can cause burning sensation, severe itching, dryness, redness, and swelling, among many other symptoms. The condition can affect people of all ages, but it is most prevalent among infants and children.
Eczema typically develops in the hands, wrists, inside the bends of the elbows and knees, eyelids, feet, ankles, neck, and upper chest, .
If youre experiencing the symptoms mentioned above and you suspect you have eczema, the information provided below will give you a better insight into the condition.
Treating Allergies On The Skin
For allergic reactions that cause skin symptoms, including those associated with allergens found in animal saliva, poisonous plants, drugs, chemicals and metals, additional treatment options include:
- Topical corticosteroid creams or tablets. Corticosteroids contain steroids that reduce inflammation and itching. Mild forms of these creams can be found online, and a doctor can prescribe stronger versions.
- Moisturizing creams. Emollient creams with soothing ingredients, such as calamine can treat skin reactions.
- Bite or sting medication. Medication targeted to reduce allergic reactions to insect bites or stings have a similar effect to other allergy medications.
- Ice pack. Applying an ice pack wrapped in cloth to the area for 10- to 15-minute intervals can reduce inflammation.
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How To Treat Skin Rash
This article was co-authored by Mohiba Tareen, MD. Mohiba Tareen is a board certified Dermatologist and the founder of Tareen Dermatology located in Roseville, Maplewood and Faribault, Minnesota. Dr. Tareen completed medical school at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where she was inducted into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha honor society. While a dermatology resident at Columbia University in New York City, she won the Conrad Stritzler award of the New York Dermatologic Society and was published in The New England Journal of Medicine. Dr. Tareen then completed a procedural fellowship which focused on dermatologic surgery, laser, and cosmetic dermatology.There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 155,153 times.
Rashes can happen for a variety of reasons. While most of them aren’t serious, it’s important to learn how to treat basic rashes to keep you and your family safe. Learn how to diagnose common rashes and care for them at home.