 |
|
|
|||
Skin Disorders and TreatmentAcrochordons |
|
Allergic Contact DermatitisAllergic Contact Dermatitis is a localized inflammation of the skin. Allergy is the term given to a reaction by a small number of people to a substance (known as the allergen) which is harmless to those who are not allergic to it. Only small quantities of allergen are necessary to induce the reaction. Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) results when repeated exposure to an allergen (an allergy-causing substance) triggers an immune response that inflames the skin. Tens of thousands of drugs, pesticides, cosmetics, food additives, commercial chemicals, and other substances have been identified as potential allergens. In general, inflammation refers to a condition in the body when it is trying to react to a localized injury of tissues. Allergic symptoms usually occur within about 30 minutes after exposure. After contact with this substance that is normally quite harmless for most people, inflammation occurs. Another kind of contact dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, is different because it is an allergic response to skin contact with some allergy-causing material. Allergic Contact Dermatitis CausesAllergic contact dermatitis is not usually caused by things like acid, alkali, solvent, strong soap or detergent. These harsh compounds, which can produce a reaction on anyone's skin, are known as 'irritants'. Irritants cause approximately 80 per cent of cases of contact dermatitis. An irritant reaction is caused by the direct effect of an irritant substance on the skin. Among other changes, some substances can remove skin oils and moisture from the outer layer of the skin. This reduces the protective action of the skin and increases the ability of irritants to enter or infiltrate the skin. Allergic Contact Dermatitis SymptomsIn initial (acute) severe cases such as poison ivy, the skin gets red, itchy, swollen, and develops tiny blisters, which may break and leave crusts and scales. Symptoms range from mild to severe and resemble those of ICD; a patch test may be needed to determine which kind of contact dermatitis a person is suffering from. The skin becomes thick, red, and scaly with long-term (chronic) exposure to an allergen. The inflammation is confined to the area that had contact with the irritant, commonly the hands or face, but can occur on any part of the body. Allergic Contact Dermatitis TreatmentAntihistamines are used to relieve the itching associated with contact dermatitis. Sedative antihistamines such as diphenhydramine and hydroxyzine can be taken at night to help patients sleep. The best treatment for contact dermatitis is to identify the allergen or irritating substance and avoid further contact with it. If the culprit is, for instance, a cosmetic, avoidance is a simple matter, but in some situations, such as an allergy to an essential workplace chemical for which no substitute can be found, avoidance may be impossible or force the sufferer to find new work or make other drastic changes in his or her life. Avoid any substances that you know irritate your skin or trigger an allergic reaction. In some cases, washing thoroughly with soap and water after contacting a substance, such as a poisonous plant, can prevent or minimize symptoms. Topical corticosteroid medications may reduce inflammation. Carefully adhere to instructions when using topical steroids because overuse of these medications, even low-strength over-the-counter topical steroids, may cause a troublesome skin condition. In severe cases, systemic corticosteroids may be needed to reduce inflammation. |
||||
|
Share This Page on:
|
||||||
 |
||||||
|
All diseases conformation provided on http://www.theskintreatment.com is for advice purpose only. Always consult a professional skin physician or doctor for treatmens. Copyright (c) www.theskintreatment.com. All rights reserved. Skin Disorders || Contact Us || Partners 1, 2, 3 |
Skin Treatments