ALSO KNOWN AS
Contact dermatitis
DESCRIPTIONS
* This is an allergic reaction of the skin. It is caused by contact of the skin with substances such as chemicals that induce an allergic reaction.
SYMPTOMS
* Tiny blisters that may crust
* Scaling, red, thickened skin
* Itching, burning, stinging
* Large blisters occur
* Blisters may follow a line
CAUSE
* Soaps
* Detergents
* Organic solvents
* Poison ivy
* Poison oak
* Neomycin
* Hair dyes
* Latex
* Adhesive tape
* Nickel in jewelry
* Preservatives
TREATMENT
* Wet compresses
* Calamine or starch
* Topical corticosteroids such as Temovate
* Tar therapy
* Oral Prednisone for severe cases for 12-21 days
* Course of contact dermatitis -- usually takes two to three weeks to resolve
PREVENTION
* Washing allergic substance as quickly as possible. Sometimes isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol is used to wash off organic solvents. Iodoquinal may help with nickel allergy. The best prevention, of course, is to avoid substances that induce this reaction.
SIMILAR CONDITIONS
* Impetigo
* Scabies
* Atopic Dermatitis
* Eczema
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