Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is a red rash that is caused by an allergic reaction to something that has touched your skin. Your skin will get red and tender every time you make contact with a substance that you’re allergic too. It may be metal in a piece of jewelry, or a watch. It could be fabric in an article of clothing, a blanket, or furniture. You may react when you pet dogs or cats. Whatever it is you’ll need to properly treat your skin so you don’t scratch it raw and cause permanent scarring.

Symptoms of Contact Dermatitis

There are a few notable symptoms of contact dermatitis that set it apart from other types of skin rashes.

• red skin rash
• itchy, burning skin.
• slightly raised rash or blister.
• localized to where your hand touched the trigger or where your skin touched a fabric or material.
• It may take a day or two before the allergy shows up on your skin, further being puzzling to diagnose.

Contact Dermatitis Triggers

With most types of contact dermatitis, when you touch something you’re allergic to, your immune system will over-react. It will think there is a foreign invader in your body, and your immune system will respond accordingly. Histamine will be released in your cells, causing that itchy red rash that you are so familiar with.

Here are some of the more common triggers for contact dermatitis:

• Nickel metal which is found in cheap costume jewelry, watch backs and bands, and belts.
• Latex rubber.• Fruit, such as oranges, lemons, and limes
• Fragrances and perfumes in soap, perfume, and other cosmetics.• Wool, such as sheep wool.• Hair dyes.
• Plants such as poison ivy, oak, and sumac.
• Dog and cat fur. Fast Treatment for Contact Dermatitis

If you’re prone to contact dermatitis and you have your next skin reaction it’s best to treat it immediately. Here are some effective treatments to help ease the itch and pain of a skin rash.

•  Wash the region affected with soap and water to remove the surface irritants.
• Apply an ice cube to reduce swelling in affected regions.
• Rub on some hydrocortisone cream.
• For blisters apply a cold cloth compress and let it sit for thirty minutes at a time. 
• Apply a natural moisturizer such as aloe vera gel. 
• Use a spray-on antihistamine such as Benadryl. 
• Use a topical ointment such as hydrocortisone.
• Try a soothing and cooling oatmeal compress. 

Prevention of Contact Dermatitis

It’s best to avoid future triggers of this skin condition.

• Wear gloves while gardening.
• Avoid wearing wool clothing.
• Only wear real gold jewelry and watches.
• Wear nickel-free jewelry.
• Avoid eating foods that you’re allergic to. 
• Don’t touch pets at friends‘ homes. 
• Discuss your contact dermatitis skin issues with your physician if you’re truly puzzled.

 Allergy testing may be required.Contact dermatitis can be triggered at the most inopportune times of your life. Learning to avoid triggers and understanding effective treatments are going to be your best methods for managing this annoying skin condition.