Avoid Skin Irritants, Prevent Contact Dermatitis
If you get rashes where your skin comes into contact with your watch strap, costume jewelry, or even soap and perfume, you may be aware of contact dermatitis. It is a condition where the skin becomes irritated when the skin touches certain substances.
Common allergens and irritants
- Soaps, detergents, perfumes, and lotions
- Certain foods like citrus fruits
- Rubber (latex)
- Chemicals and preservatives
- Metals like nickel, chrome, and mercury
- Some plants, cosmetics, and medicines
Some symptoms of contact dermatitis
- Mild redness, swelling, bumps, and blisters on the skin
- Itching
- Dry, cracked, scaly, thickened skin
Since these symptoms are common to many skin diseases, you must consult a physician to correctly diagnose and treat the condition. Treatment will be determined based on the patient’s condition, expectations, and preferences. Identifying and avoiding allergens is an integral part of the process. Oral or injected medication and topical creams are among the treatments.
Want to get your contact dermatitis checked out? Call Skin and Vein Institute in Encinitas, California, at (760) 452-2080 or email [email protected] for a consultation with Board-Certified Dermatologist Dr. Amanda Lloyd.