Contact Dermatitis is a reaction that occurs after skin comes in direct contact with irritants (80% of the cases) or allergens (20%).

Symptoms
Symptoms and severity vary depending on the substance causing the reaction. Symptoms may include:

• Itching
• Redness and swelling
• Severely dry skin
• Blistering
• Scaling and temporary thickening of skin

Contact dermatitis symptoms resemble many other skin conditions. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.

Causes
Causes vary based on the individual. Not all people will react to the same stimulus. The most common causes include:

• Soaps and detergents
• Pet dander and drool
• Certain foods
• Medications
• Lotions
• Cosmetics and perfumes
• Poison Ivy, Oak, Sumac and other plants

Treatment
Treatment will vary by the allergen and the individual patient. Prevention is the best treatment. Identify what caused the reaction and avoid future contact.

We offer patch testing to help diagnose the cause of contact dermatitis in cases where an allergic reaction is suspected.

Contact us to learn more about Contact Dermatitis, or to schedule a consultation to discuss how these and other treatment options can benefit you.