Ailments and Situations - Contact Dermatitis - Causes and What to Expect

Causes:

Chemical irritants or a delayed hypersensitivity reaction are the primary causes of contact dermatitis. This skin condition may also be the result of exposure to petrochemicals and soaps. Other irritants can include plants (such as poison ivy, oak or sumac), chemicals used in the manufacture of textiles and leather, metal compounds in jewelry, dyes, cosmetics, lotions and toiletries. A reaction also may occur due to residues on clothing from laundry detergent.

Photodermatis or solar urticaria occurs when agents require the activation by light to become an irritant and are seen as the patient suddenly reacts to sunlight. Allergic dermatitis is often caused by the ointments and applications used to treat the skin disease. Any agent can be used for years before you develop a reaction to it.

 
Diaper Rash

Diaper rash may be caused by alkalinity of the stool or urine. Also, ingestion of foods that the child is sensitive to (usually wheat and dairy) may result in skin irritation that resolves once the trigger(s) is/are eliminated. Laundry detergent residues left on diapers may also cause a reaction. Remember, the rash is a natural, healthy response of the body as it tries to detoxify itself through inflammation.

 
What to Expect:

Contact dermatitis from delayed hypersensitivity may take years to develop. Once the source of the irritation or trigger is removed, the symptoms usually disappear quickly. If the condition continues untreated, complications such as excoriations and infections of open sores may result. The dermatitis will likely spread and become more severe if the skin remains in constant contact with the irritant.