Contact dermatitis in adults
Redness of the skin, the appearance of bubbles on it, itching are all signs of contact dermatitis. Why it occurs, how it is treated and why contact dermatitis is dangerous in adults, we deal with a dermatologist

What is contact dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is one of the most common skin diseases that occurs due to skin contact with external irritants.

Allergic contact dermatitis is inflammation of the skin in response to exposure to substances that can cause an allergic reaction.

If simple contact dermatitis develops, as a rule, immediately or after a short period of time after contact with an irritant, then allergic contact dermatitis appears only 10-14 days after the initial interaction with the allergen and 12-48 hours after the secondary contact with it.

According to various studies, contact dermatitis affects 5 to 10 percent of the population.

Causes of contact dermatitis in adults

Contact dermatitis in adults always provokes some external irritant.

– It can occur in each person with some kind of aggressive effect on the skin, for example, a burn with boiling water or concentrated acid, and also be an individual feature of a person – in fact, an allergic reaction to any agent or material, – explains dermatovenereologist Yuri Sergeev.

Often the cause of contact dermatitis in adults is nickel or chrome jewelry, some additives in rubber products or cosmetics, and much more.
Yuri SergeyevDermatovenereologist

Accordingly, dermatitis of this kind is most often provoked by contacts with irritants such as:

  • metals;
  • food products;
  • household chemicals;
  • medicines;
  • cosmetics;
  • dust;
  • hair and skin cells of domestic animals.

Symptoms of contact dermatitis in adults

– External manifestations of contact dermatitis in adults primarily include redness of the skin at the site of contact with the irritant, blistering and weeping may occur. With a long course of allergic contact dermatitis, rashes can spread to other areas of the skin, peeling and cracks form within the rashes. With any kind of contact dermatitis, unpleasant subjective sensations are often encountered: the rash is very itchy, can be painful, – explains Yuri Sergeev, a dermatovenereologist.

In summary, there are several main symptoms of contact dermatitis in adults:

  • redness;
  • itching;
  • edema;
  • the appearance of bubbles filled with liquid, which can merge into a vast weeping zone.

Treatment of contact dermatitis in adults

– Treatment of contact dermatitis should be aimed not only at combating the symptoms of the disease, but also at preventing subsequent exacerbations.

With a mild course (slight reddening of the skin at the point of contact, no discomfort), the disease can go away on its own, the main thing is not to re-expose the skin to the irritant, the specialist explains.

Another thing is if the symptoms of contact dermatitis prevent a person from living a normal life. With significant redness, itching, swelling, if the rash spreads to other areas of the skin, it is necessary to visit a dermatologist.

In the acute period, the doctor will recommend taking care of the skin and prescribing anti-inflammatory drugs (hormonal agents are most often used) to quickly alleviate the manifestations of the disease.
Yuri SergeyevDermatovenereologist

– Further treatment will largely depend on the ability to determine and / or eliminate the causative factor of the disease – in this case, you can forever forget about the manifestations of the disease, – explains Yuri Sergeev, a dermatovenereologist.

Diagnostics

Contact dermatitis is diagnosed by a dermatovenereologist. Most often, to make a diagnosis, it is enough to listen to the patient’s complaints, examine the skin where the rash appeared, and also learn about his lifestyle (bad habits, working conditions, allergies).

– In case of allergic contact dermatitis, special skin tests with various allergens may be required by an allergist to determine the exact cause of the disease, adds Yuri Sergeev.

Modern treatments

Drug treatment of simple and allergic contact dermatitis is similar and depends on the clinical picture of inflammation. In the acute stage of dermatitis, external glucocorticosteroids are used, which help to stop inflammation, the doctor may also recommend topical agents.

When a secondary infection is attached, combined topical agents are used, which also include antibacterial and antifungal components.

In treatment, it is also important to minimize the risk of re-exacerbation. This is where good skin care can help.

– Great importance in the treatment of contact dermatitis is currently given to skin care and maintaining the integrity of the so-called. epidermal barrier – in fact, the upper layer of the skin, which prevents the penetration of irritating substances and the development of inflammation. In addition to medications, the dermatologist will recommend the use of special moisturizers marked “for dry and very dry” or “prone to irritation” skin, explains the dermatovenereologist.

Prevention of contact dermatitis in adults at home conditions

To minimize the risk of developing contact dermatitis, it is enough to follow basic safety rules.

– Try to avoid contact of unprotected skin with objects with extremely low / high temperatures, work with chemicals in closed clothing, gloves and other protective equipment, etc. People with chronic skin diseases, accompanied by dry skin, should be more careful about the use of care products, emphasizes Yuri Sergeev, dermatovenereologist.

Prevention of contact dermatitis caused by an allergen is similar. If you know what substance is causing your skin reaction, the best thing you can do is avoid contact with that substance. If it does get on the skin, try to quickly and thoroughly wash it off with water. The same should be done in cases where you have been in contact with some unknown substance.

If you experience symptoms of contact dermatitis, you should consult a dermatologist or allergist.

Popular questions and answers

What is dangerous contact dermatitis?

Acute contact dermatitis responds quickly to treatment and the only complication of the disease is a skin change that persists for some time in the form of a darker (hyperpigmented) or lighter (hypopigmented) area at the site of pre-existing rashes. In most cases, these changes go away on their own over time. The prolonged course of allergic contact dermatitis can significantly reduce the quality of a person’s daily life, limit his activity, and sometimes cause disability or a forced change in professional activity.

What are the complications of contact dermatitis?

With a pronounced impact of an external factor, a rough, noticeable scar can form. In some cases, the course of the disease can also be complicated by the development of a local infectious complication, but in this situation, changing drugs allows you to quickly take control of the situation.

When to call a doctor for contact dermatitis?

Consultation with a specialist is needed in cases where the manifestations of contact dermatitis are pronounced or widespread, accompanied by unpleasant subjective sensations and there is no improvement in the condition within 2-3 days. With an allergic variant of contact dermatitis, the help of a doctor is always required.

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