What is it?
A very common rash that occurs when the skin is exposed to any number of irritants (ie, substances or surfaces that bother it) and becomes inflamed.
- The rash usually appears 48–72 hours after exposure.
- This eczema occurs if one is exposed to an irritant or if anyone is allergic to anything. It can occur at anytime in one’s life.
- This eczema occurs if one is exposed to an irritant or if anyone is allergic to anything. It can occur at anytime in one’s life.
- The rash usually appears 48–72 hours after exposure.
- Certain allergens may penetrate intact skin poorly, and the onset of dermatitis may be delayed up to 1 week after exposure.
- A minimum of 10 days is required for individuals to develop specific sensitivity to a new contact.
- The immediate onset of dermatitis after initial exposure to material suggests either a cross-sensitisation reaction, prior forgotten exposure to the substance, or nonspecific irritant contact dermatitis provoked by the agent in question.
- Immediate reactions (ie, visible lesions developing < 30 minutes after exposure) indicate contact urticaria and not allergic contact dermatitis.
- This is particularly true if the lesions are urticarial in appearance and if the skin reaction is associated with other symptoms, such as distant urticaria, wheezing, periorbital oedema (puffy eyes and/or swelling round eyes), runny nose , or anaphylaxis.
Cause
- Allergies and irritants : Allergy reactions can still develop even coming in contact with products for years or if have a one off contact i.e.
- Soaps, bubble baths, douches, fragrances, detergent, dyes,
- Metals, nickel and cobalt in jewellery
- Chromate in cement, textiles, adhesives,
- Cosmetics (hair dye preservatives, nail vanish remover)
- Rubber including latex, condoms
- Plants:pollen,daffodils, tulips.
- Pets and animals
- Food
- Exercise
- Sweating a lot and working in sweaty environments.
- The skin exposed to wet and dampness leading to the skin being red and sore or exposed to water especially if hard, chalky or heavy chlorinated e.g. swimming pools.
- UV rays and sun beds
- Family history
- Standard of living
- Dust mites thrive in dusty areas
- Dust
- Poor ventilated areas
- Rough and/or layers of clothing
- Clothes can irritate the skin
- Layers of clothes cause the skin one to sweat a lot and trap moisture and heat.
- Excessive water contact
- Too much water can reduce oil protective layer on the skin and decrease the water proof barrier. One should be less than 20 minutes when having a shower or bath.
Symptoms
- Developed an inflamed rash when in contact to the irritant (one normally will only develop a rash in that area to which contact was made)?
- Skin is raised and have defined borders?
- Blisters (vesicles) skin?
- Itchy skin?
- Flaky skin?
- Slightly cracked skin?
- Scaly skin?
- Slightly thickened skin?
- Dry skin?
- Sore skin?
- Stinging skin?
Complications /Information to beware of/General tips:
This condition can lead to:
- Bacterial skin infections
- Viral skin infections (eczema herpeticum, caused by herpes virus):
- Areas of painful eczema that quickly get worse
- Groups of fluid-filled blisters that break open and leave small, shallow open sores on the skin
- High temperature and generally feeling unwell
- Eyelid swelling can occur when the allergen is unknowingly transferred from finger to eyelid.
- Affected areas are typically severely itchy (calamine lotion, moisturising creams and oral antihistamine may help if suitable).
- Try to avoid the allergens or protect yourself from the Allergens i.e. if detergent where gloves or change detergent.
This condition may show similar symptoms to:
Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice
Detailed Information
Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Allergic Contact Eczema/Irritant Contact Eczema in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).
- NHS
Find information and advice on health conditions, symptoms, healthy living, medicines and how to get help (British National Health Service).
- Medscape
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- Pharmaceutical Journal
The Pharmaceutical Journal covers analysis, features, opinion, learning and careers articles, providing insight and knowledge about drugs, pharmacy practice, medicines use and healthcare policy in the context of the pharmacy profession and pharmaceutical science.
- Healthline
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- Medical News Today
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- WebMD
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- Cleveland Clinic
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- Mayo Clinic
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- Drugs.com
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- National Organisation of Rare Diseases
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- Verywell Health
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- Fit for Travel
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- DR Axe
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