Contact Dermatitis – Cause , symptoms, prevention

What is Contact Dermatitis ?

Contact dermatitis is a skin condition in which skin becomes  red, itchy rash mainly caused by direct contact with a substance or an allergic reaction to it. Contact dermatitis is not a  contagious skin condition  , but it can be very uncomfortable. Many substances like soaps , detergents, cosmetics , plants etc. can cause contact dermatitis. 

Symptoms of Contact dermatitis

Symptoms of Contact dermatitis depends upon the type of the dermatitis. Most commonly symptoms  that are seen in patients are given below

Allergic contact dermatitis

• Dry and scaly skin
• Redness of skin
• Extreme itching
• Oozing blisters

Irritant contact dermatitis

• Cracking of skin due to dryness
• Blistering
• Stiffness of the skin
• Ulceration of skin

Causes and types of contact dermatitis

There are three different types of dermatitis

• Allergic contact dermatitis
• Irritant contact dermatitis
• Photo contact dermatitis

• Allergic contact dermatitis

Allergic contact dermatitis occurs as the results of the allergy . When  skin exposed to any kind of foreign substance or allergic substance allergic contact dermatitis . As a response to this , the body  release inflammatory chemicals due to which the skin feel itchy and irritated.

Common causative factors of allergic contact dermatitis include contact with:

• jewelry made from nickel or gold
• latex gloves
• perfumes or chemicals in cosmetics and skin care products

• Irritant contact dermatitis

Irritant contact dermatitis is the common type of contact dermatitis. Irritant  contact dermatitis occurs when the skin comes in contact with any kind of toxic or irritative substance.

Irritant substances that can cause dermatitis are

• battery acid
• bleach
• soaps
• kerosene
• detergents
• pepper spray

Sometimes irritant contact dermatitis  occur when the skin comes in contact with  soap or even water.

• Photo contact dermatitis

Photo contact dermatitis is the eczematous condition that occurs by an interaction between an less harmful substance on the skin, and the ultra violet rays , therefore manifestation of photo contact dermatitis occurs    only in regions that are exposed to rays. 

That’s why  this form of contact dermatitis is usually seen on the  areas of skin that are left uncovered by clothing, and it can be soundly defeated by avoiding exposure to sunlight. 

Diagnosis of Contact dermatitis

• Diagnosis of Contact dermatitis can be made by taking history of patient and by doing physical examination of the patient . 
• Lab test can be done to know the type of allergen.
• Differentiation  between the various types of contact dermatitis is based on a number of factors. The morphology of the tissues, the histology, and immunologic findings  confirm the  diagnosis  and the form of the condition.

Treatment of contact dermatitis

In most the cases patients will get relief from the contact dermatitis if  they avoid the causative factor. Commonly used methods to treat contact dermatitis  are  

Self care

• Avoid scratching your irritated skin. Scratching can worse the condition.
• Use mild soap and lukewarm water to clean your skin and  remove irritants .
• Avoid the cosmetic products that  are causing the problem.
• Calamine lotion may relieve itching.
• Application of  petroleum jelly like Vaseline for soothening  of the area.

Medical  care

• Corticosteroids. A corticosteroid medication like hydrocortisone may be prescribed to treat the inflammation in a localized area. Topical use of corticosteroids is mainly done. In severe cases oral corticosteroids are required.
• In severe cases,  stronger medicines  are  prescribed by a dermatologist.
• Antihistamines.

Prevention of Contact dermatitis

General prevention steps include the following:

• Avoid irritants and allergens.  Identify  the substances that irritate your skin and cause allergy and try to avoid them.
• Wash your skin. Wash your skin properly to avoid any kind of allergic reaction. Use a mild, fragrance-free soap and warm water. Rinse completely. 
• Wear protective clothing or gloves. Face masks, goggles, gloves and other protective measures should be used that  can protect your skin from irritating substances.
• Apply a barrier lotion or gel. These products can provide a protective layer for your skin that will protect your skin from the harmful rays of sun or other harmful substances. 
• Use moisturizer. Regular use of  moisturizing lotions can help restore your skin’s outermost layer and keep skin moist and thus prevent dryness.

Complications of Contact dermatitis

• Skin infection
• Cellulitis
• Neurodermatitis
• Diminshed quality of life

Ayurvedic concept of Contact dermatitis

In Ayurveda The condition of contact dermatitis is categorized under Vicharchika. In this condition there is vitiation of  all the doshas. Mainly there is predominance of kapha dosha.  The ayurvedic management of  contact dermatitis involves combination of dietary factors, life style modifications and medications . 

DIET RECOMMENDATIONS (AAHAR)

• A balanced , healthy diet should be consumed 
• Avoid excessively hot, spicy or sour foods 
• Avoid excessive oily , fried food.
• Avoid all kind of junk and packaged food.

LIFESTYLE CHANGES (VIHAR)

• Take proper sleep at night and avoid day sleeping.
• Meditation, breathing exercises cooling and  yoga postures are beneficial.

MEDICATIONS

Chandigarh ayurveda centre provides the treatment of contact dermatitis using combinations of medications which are made from combination of unique herbs. CAC ensures the complete cure of the contact dermatitis with Ayurveda.

CAC provides the ‘Dermatitis care kit’ for the treatment of this condition. This kit is combination of medications that are effectively beneficial to treat the vitiated doshas and provide a complete cure by treating root cause.

Dermatitis care kit contains 

• Detox Premium Sachet
• Panchtikta Ghrit Guggulu
• Blood Purifier Syrup
• Twak Churan
• Skin Care Tablet

For detailed prescription of the ‘Dermatitis care kit’ visit our website

 https://www.chandigarhayurvedcentre.com/product/atopic-dermatitis-care-kit/