What is contact dermatitis?
Contact dermatitis is a physiological reaction that occurs after skin comes in contact with certain substances. Irritants to the skin cause the vast majority of these reactions. The remaining reactions are caused by allergens, which trigger an allergic response.
Adults are most commonly affected by allergic contact dermatitis, but it can affect persons of all ages.
What causes irritant contact dermatitis?
The most common causes of irritants to children include the following:
- soaps
- saliva
- different foods
- detergents
- baby lotions
- perfumes
Plants, as well as metals, cosmetics, and medications may also cause contact dermatitis:
- poison ivy
Poison ivy, the plant family that also includes poison oak and sumac, is a common cause of a contact dermatitis reaction. - metals
Nearly 3,000 chemical agents are capable of causing allergic contact dermatitis. Nickel, chrome, and mercury are the most common metals that cause contact dermatitis:- Nickel is found in costume jewelry, belt buckles, and wristwatches, as well as zippers, snaps, and hooks on clothing. Contact with objects that are chrome-plated, which contain nickel, may also cause skin reactions in children who are sensitive to nickel.
- Mercury, which is found in contact lens solutions, may cause problems for some children.
What are the symptoms of contact dermatitis?
The following are some of the other symptoms associated with contact dermatitis. However, each child may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:
- mild redness and swelling of the skin
- blistering of the skin
- itching
- scaling and temporary thickening of skin
The most severe reaction is at the contact site. The symptoms of contact dermatitis may resemble other skin conditions. Always consult your child’s physician for a diagnosis.
Specific treatment for contact dermatitis will be determined by your child’s physician based on:
- your child’s age, overall health, and medical history
- extent of the disorder
- your child’s tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
- expectations for the course of the reaction
- collaboration with your child’s physician to manage contact dermatitis over the long term
The best treatment is to identify and avoid the substances that may have caused the allergic contact dermatitis. The following is recommended by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, for mild to moderate reactions:
- Thoroughly wash skin with soap and water as soon after the exposure as possible.
- Wash clothing and all objects that touched plant resins (poison ivy/oak) to prevent re-exposure.
- Use wet, cold compresses to soothe and relieve inflammation if blisters are broken.
- For severe reactions, always contact your child’s physician.
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