Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis causes skin to develop an uncomfortable rash when you touch a specific irritant or allergen. At Shady Grove Dermatology in Rockville, Maryland, the skilled dermatologists can help you identify your triggers and develop a customized treatment plan to minimize contact dermatitis flare-ups. Call today or use the online booking tool to schedule a consultation.

What is contact dermatitis?

Contact dermatitis is a type of eczema unique in that it only occurs when your skin comes in contact with an irritating substance.

With contact dermatitis, your skin may appear red, swollen, and cracked. The rash is often itchy and sensitive. The severity of your symptoms can vary based on the duration and intensity of exposure to the irritant.

At Shady Grove Dermatology, your board-certified dermatologist conducts a thorough evaluation to identify the irritant or allergen responsible for your contact dermatitis.

How does contact dermatitis develop?

Contact dermatitis typically develops in one of two ways:

Irritant contact dermatitis

Irritant contact dermatitis develops when your skin encounters substances that directly damage its outer layer. Common irritants include harsh chemicals, detergents, and acids. The condition typically arises after repeated exposure, resulting in skin dryness, redness, and even blistering.

Allergic contact dermatitis

Allergic contact dermatitis stems from an immune response triggered by exposure to allergens. Your body recognizes these allergens, such as nickel, cosmetics, or plants like poison ivy, as foreign invaders, leading to redness, itching, and skin inflammation.

Who gets contact dermatitis?

Contact dermatitis can affect people of all ages, but certain risk factors include:

• Occupational exposure to chemicals
• Sensitive skin
• Eczema, psoriasis, and other skin conditions
• Age (being a child or an older adult)
• Hobbies like gardening
• Allergies

A thorough skin evaluation and medical history review is essential to assess your risk of contact dermatitis.

How long does contact dermatitis last?

Contact dermatitis rashes can develop within a few minutes to hours after exposure to an irritant or allergen. Flare-ups often take 2-4 weeks to resolve but can last longer. The earlier you seek professional medical care, the sooner you can find relief from a contact dermatitis flare-up.

What are the treatments for contact dermatitis?

Contact dermatitis treatments can relieve symptoms, reduce inflammation, and promote skin healing. Effective treatments and strategies include:

• Barrier creams
• Topical or oral corticosteroids
• Emollients and moisturizers
• Wet compresses
• Topical calcineurin inhibitors
• Oral antihistamines
• Trigger avoidance

With extensive experience diagnosing and treating contact dermatitis, the dermatologists at Shady Grove Dermatology can develop a targeted treatment plan to minimize your symptoms and prevent flare-ups.

Call Shady Grove Dermatology today or use the online booking tool to schedule a contact dermatitis consultation.