What is allergic contact dermatitis? Irritant Contact Dermatitis is Non-immunologic condition that is caused by an external agent that directly damages the skin. It is the most common skin reaction.
 Allergic Contact Dermatitis
Allergic contact dermatitis accounts for 20% of all contact dermatitis reactions. Allergic contact dermatitis is a delayed hypersensitivity reaction that involves interaction of allergens and antibodies, which occurs in phases.
Allergic Contact Dermatitis Sensitization Phase
During this phase an antigen comes in contact with the skin. Because most of the antigens that cause this type of reaction have a low molecular weight, they can easily penetrate the outer layer of the properly functioning epidermis. The antigen is processed by cells in the basal layer of the epidermis and then presented to white blood cells called T lymphocytes. These T lymphocytes recognize the antigen as foreign and circulate through the bloodstream back to the epidermis
Allergic Contact Dermatitis Elicitation Phase
The elicitation phase occurs in sensitized people who are reexposed to the antigen.
The T lymphocytes in the epidermis recognize the antigen as foreign and produce inflammatory chemicals designed to eradicate the antigen. Unfortunately these chemicals produce a characteristic rash in the skin. The allergic contact dermatitis rash develops within 12 to 48 hours of re-exposure to the antigen and lasts for 3 to 4 weeks.
Allergic Contact Dermatitis Appearance
The shape and location of the rash are important clues to the cause of the allergen if the pattern of the rash corresponds exactly to the shape of the offending agent such as a watch, metal belt buckle, or waistband. Unfortunately, in most cases, the rash does not correspond exactly to the areas contacting the allergen. A list of common allergens by rash distribution can be found here. The allergic contact dermatitis rash is usually very itchy and consists of redness, scaling, fissuring, vesicles, and lichenification.
Allergic Contact Dermatitis Treatment
The mainstay of treatment for allergic contact dermatitis is avoiding the offending allergen if it can be determined. Other helpful measure to consider, especially if the allergen cannot be identified include:
- Minimize products for topical use
- Use ointments instead of creams
- Avoid botanical extracts found in "fragrance-free" or "natural" products as these can be very allergenic
- Topical steroids - Medium- to high-strength topical steroids may be needed to reduce inflammation and itching
Source: About Health
Common allergens that can make dermatitis worse
Common Allergens by Location of Rash
Allergic contact dermatitis is a delayed hypersensitivity reaction that involves interaction of allergens and antibodies. The location of the rash can give important clues to the type of allergen causing the rash. The following lists give common allergens that cause allergic contact dermatitis grouped by location of the rash.
Dermatitis on Scalp and Ears
Shampoos
Hair dyes
Topical medications
Metal earrings
Eyeglasses
Rubber ear plugs
Face
Cosmetics - preservatives, emulsifiers, fragrances
Acne medications - benzoyl peroxide, Retin-A
Aftershave lotions
Respirators, masks, aerosolized mists (machinists), volatile organic substances
Chemicals applied to the scalp can spread to the face, ears, and neck - the scalp may not be involved because it is more resistant
Airborne allergens such as poison ivy from burning leaves or ragweed
Sunscreen ingredients such as oxybenzone and benzophenone No. 3
Dermatitis on Eyelids
Nail polish
Cosmetics
Contact lens solution
Metal eyelash curlers
Rubber makeup sponges
Goggles
Neck
Necklaces especially made of metals or exotic woods
Airborne allergens such as ragweed
Perfumes
Aftershave lotions
Cosmetics
Textiles dyes or formaldehyde resins in clothing
Trunk
Textiles especially if the rash does not involve the armpits or areas covered by undergarments
Azo-aniline dyes found in colored clothing
Urea formaldehyde resins found in wrinkle-resistant clothing
Rubber allergens in elasticized waist bands or spandex bras
Fragrances
Preservatives in moisturizing lotions
Topical medications
Sunscreens
Poison ivy
Plants
Metal belt buckles
Arms
Same as hands
Watch and watchband
Soap
Moisturizers
Fingertips
Glue
Disinfectants
Armpits
Deodorants
Clothing
Hands
Soaps and detergents
Foods
Spices
Poison ivy
Industrial solvents and oils
Cement
Metal
Topical medications
Rubber gloves
Genitals
Poison ivy - transferred by hand
Rubber condom
Diaphragms
Pessaries
Anal Region
Hemorrhoid preparations containing benzocaine or nupercaine
Lower Legs
Topical medications
Moisturizers containing fragrances or preservatives
Source: About Health The form of dermatitis that results from a delayed allergic reaction to contact with an allergen. Characterized by inflammatory papules and vesicles. Can be caused by fragrances, small molecule preservatives, etc. products for the treatment of dermatitis We offer a variety of products for treatment of dermatitis. Please click here to see all products or here for the Dermalight80 for spot treatment of dermatitis. | 
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