Allergic dermatitis [contact] – causes, symptoms, how to treat

One of the most common manifestations of allergies is hay fever (hay fever), a seasonal reaction to plant pollen (in particular, birch), accompanied by a runny nose, sneezing, swelling of the nasopharynx, and lacrimation.

Another common form of allergy is allergic contact dermatitis – an inflammatory process in certain areas of the skin, the symptoms of which are redness, rash, swelling, severe itching, peeling. Allergic contact dermatitis is a fairly common dermatosis.

In the most severe cases of allergy, anaphylactic shock develops, in which a person’s pressure drops sharply, and with Quincke’s edema, laryngeal edema makes it difficult for air to enter the lungs, and suffocation may occur.

Causes of allergic dermatitis

The appearance of allergic dermatitis is more often the result of direct contact of human skin with external irritants-allergens. The reaction of the immune system is always individual, as well as the degree of susceptibility of the body to allergens. The severity of symptoms depends more on the sensitivity of the immune system than on the state of the immune system as a whole. More prone to allergic reactions, such as allergic dermatitis, people with chronic diseases such as bronchial asthma, atopic dermatitis, etc. Allergic contact dermatitis is unpredictable and can develop at any age. It must be remembered that this is a complex individual (sometimes hereditary) protective reaction of the human immune system to external stimuli. Despite the presence of the word “contact” in the name of the disease, it is not infectious and is not transmitted from person to person, even through direct contact.

Allergic contact dermatitis can be caused by:

• animals (wool, saliva);
• plants (pollen, juice);
• household chemicals (detergents, cleaners);
• latex products (gloves, baby nipples, balloons, condoms);
• paints and varnishes, solvents, polishes;
• cosmetics and perfumery;
• metal jewelry and clothing accessories;
• clothes made of synthetics or dyed fabrics;
• external medicines (from ointments to ordinary iodine).

How to find out what is causing an allergic reaction

Given the variety of possible allergens listed above, how can a person know what exactly he has allergic dermatitis for? In some cases, the causal relationship is obvious – for example, if you washed the windows with a new product the day before without wearing gloves. The most reliable result is obtained by laboratory diagnostics. In addition to a blood test (for specific antibodies, for sugar, clinical and biochemical), skin tests are widespread, when strips with various allergens are glued to the skin and the reaction (redness, swelling) is examined, or notches are made on the skin and then allergens are applied.

The main symptoms of allergic dermatitis

Allergic dermatitis usually manifests itself locally, in those places that have been in direct contact with the irritant. Most often, allergic dermatitis is subject to:

• Hands are the most active and most open part of the body, in contact with many objects and substances. Allergic dermatitis on the hands manifests itself in the form of redness, a small rash, burning, itching.
• Neck, often in contact with clothing and jewelry. Allergic dermatitis on the neck also causes redness of the skin, itching, sometimes a rash, and small blisters.
• The face is exposed to weather conditions, cosmetics are applied to the face. Allergic dermatitis on the face can be expressed in redness and swelling of the skin.

Allergic dermatitis has three stages:

• Sharp. – The reaction of the body immediately after contact with the allergen (in the range from several minutes to 1-2 days). Pronounced symptoms: redness, swelling, rash, vesicles on the skin, itching.
• subacute. – Symptoms gradually disappear, the skin may begin to peel off.
• Chronic. – If the irritant continues to affect the skin, and treatment is not carried out, the disease can become chronic.

How to treat allergic dermatitis?

What should be done if you notice the symptoms of allergic dermatitis? Often the problem is solved very simply – by eliminating contact with the allergen. If it is not possible to quickly identify the allergen, it is necessary to consult a doctor for diagnosis and timely appointment of the correct treatment. Treatment is usually complex and includes drugs to relieve unpleasant and painful symptoms, as well as measures aimed at general strengthening of immunity to prevent subsequent relapses.

It must be borne in mind that ongoing external therapy and oral administration of drugs stop symptoms and discomfort, but do not prevent the recurrence of allergic dermatitis. The duration and dosage of the use of drugs is determined by the specialist, taking into account the patient’s health status.

Allergy prone skin care

The skin with allergic dermatitis is irritated and characterized by increased sensitivity. It is not recommended to injure such skin with cosmetic procedures (peeling, injections, etc.), and in this case it is also desirable to minimize contact with water. If allergic dermatitis manifested itself on the face, you should refrain from makeup. Cosmetic care products can be used only familiar ones, the skin reaction to which does not cause concern. Skin care for sensitive and allergy-prone skin consists of standard steps: cleansing, nourishing, protecting.

La Roche-Posay dermatological brand Toleriane is a special range suitable for adult skin care prone to allergic reactions.

TOLERIANE* CLEANSING GEL TREATMENT

TOLERIANE cleansing gel-care for washing is intended for the care of sensitive and allergy-prone skin. Soft gel without foaming ingredients gently cleanses the skin and is suitable for removing make-up (except for the area around the eyes).

The active cleansing formula contains 3 soothing ingredients:

• Niacinamide soothes and relieves discomfort,
• Panthenol restores and softens the skin,
• La Roche-Posay thermal water soothes and protects the skin.

The formula is enriched with Ceramide to help maintain the skin’s natural protective barrier to retain moisture.

TOLERIANE ULTRA DERMALLERGO SERUM**

For hypersensitive and allergy-prone skin of the face and the area around the eyes, prone to irritation, redness, reactions to external factors. Hypersensitive and allergy-prone skin is characterized by a weakened natural barrier that is responsible for protecting the skin from external factors. The light, non-sticky texture of the serum is instantly absorbed, providing a long-lasting feeling of comfort. Suitable as a base for make-up.

TOLERIANE DERMALLERGO*** CREAM

Intensive care visibly soothes, moisturizes and reduces the manifestations of skin sensitivity: flaking, tightness, dryness and discomfort. Restores and strengthens the skin’s protective barrier. Apply morning and evening to face, neck and eye area. Cream texture for dry skin.

Expert advice

Since allergic dermatitis is unpredictable and can occur at any age and in response to any irritant, at the first manifestations of allergic dermatitis, it is necessary to analyze your lifestyle and try to identify the allergen and avoid contact with it. This will also be important when talking with a doctor. If you are prone to allergic reactions, clean the house with gloves, minimize contact with household chemicals, first test new care products and cosmetics for tolerance.

Always have the medicines prescribed by your doctor in your first-aid kit and do not forget to take them on trips and vacations. This allows you to quickly identify and eliminate the irritant in the event of allergic dermatitis.

If allergic dermatitis causes serious concern and symptoms cannot be quickly relieved, it is necessary to seek the advice of a specialist for diagnosis and comprehensive treatment.

* Tolerable ** Tolerable *** Toleran Ultra Dermallergo **** Dermallergo tolerated