Have you ever had this happen to you? When you put something on your skin, like a new soap, perfume, or jewelry, it turns red, blisters, and you scratch it uncontrollably. It feels like you've been bitten by something. Many people think it's just a simple rash, but it's actually a medical condition. We call it Contact Dermatitis .
In simple terms, this is what happens: When your skin comes into contact with something you are allergic to (we call it an allergen), your body's defense system, the immune system , thinks it is a big enemy coming to attack. So the system overreacts and sends out antibodies to fight the invader. As a result of this fight, the area where the allergen came into contact turns red and itchy.
The most important thing is that this condition is not contagious. You will not pass this rash on to anyone else. So don't worry about it.
There are two main types of contact dermatitis.
Your doctor divides this condition into two main categories. There is a slight difference between the two.
1. Irritant Contact Dermatitis : This occurs when the skin comes into contact with something harsh or a chemical. For example, harsh bleach, cement, and some harsh soaps. What happens here is more of an allergy than an irritation to the skin due to the harshness of the chemical.
2. Allergic Contact Dermatitis: This is the type of allergic reaction we talked about earlier. Here, your body reacts to something that normally has no effect on other people. It can be caused by anything from a plant like Poison Ivy to fragrances in everyday products.
Sometimes, things in the air can cause these types of allergies even if they are deposited on the skin. For example, things like pollen, chemical sprays, dust mites, and cigarette smoke . We call this Airborne Contact Dermatitis . It is most often seen in exposed areas like the eyelids, head, and neck.
Why do we get skin allergies like this?
There are many things that can cause this. Some of them are things we don't even think about. Let's look at some of the most common causes.
| Cause of allergy (Allergen) | Examples and descriptions |
|---|---|
| Nickel | This is a metal. It is commonly found in things like artificial earrings, necklaces, jeans buttons, watch straps, etc. It can also be found in some makeup, soaps, and shampoos. |
| Sunscreen and insect repellent | Some chemicals in sunscreens and bug sprays can cause skin allergies. |
| Skin-soothing medications | Some people are allergic to the ingredients in some antibiotic creams and anti-itch creams. |
| Fragrances | Fragrances, which are found in almost everything, such as perfumes, soaps, shampoos, lotions, and laundry detergents, are a common cause. |
| Types of plants | Poison ivy, oak, and sumac are well-known plants. In addition, some plants in our country (e.g., red clover) can cause allergies in some people. |
| Latex | A type of rubber used to make stretchy items like medical gloves, the elastic in clothing, condoms, and balloons. |
How do I find out exactly what I'm allergic to?
This is a question that many people have. If you ask, "Doctor, why is this happening to me?", it can sometimes be a little difficult to find the answer. Because how many things do we touch every day?
But there's nothing to worry about. There are special tests for this. Your doctor, especially a dermatologist , can recommend these tests for you.
Patch Test
This is the most common method. Doctors often use what is called the TRUE test (Thin-layer Rapid Use Epicutaneous Patch Test) . This involves placing small patches on your back, usually containing samples of the allergen. You should leave the patch on for about two days. Then the doctor will remove it and check for any reactions. Some reactions may take a few days to appear, so you may be asked to come back in a few more days.
Sometimes you may be allergic to something that is not on this standard test. If that's the case, your doctor may ask about your work, hobbies , and home environment and perform additional patch tests using items that are relevant to those.
Imagine you have a suspicion about the sunscreen you're using. At that time, your doctor may ask you to do a ROAT test (Repeat Open Application Test) at home. This involves applying a small amount of the suspected substance to the same area for several days in a row. This will confirm whether you have an allergy or not.
How is this condition treated and controlled?
The best and most important thing here is prevention . Once you've figured out exactly what you're allergic to, the best thing to do is avoid contact with that substance. Sometimes you'll need to wear gloves or use other protective measures .
However, if you accidentally get a rash from touching something you are allergic to, there are a few things you can do.
- Don't scratch: This is easier said than done. But scratching can cause further damage to the skin, causing scarring and increasing the risk of infection.
- Skin-soothing creams: You can temporarily use something like an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream, which you can buy at the pharmacy without a doctor's prescription. Calamine lotion can also help reduce itching.
- Antihistamines: These medications can help control itching and allergic reactions. However, it is best to talk to your doctor before taking these.
- Cold compresses: Soaking a clean cloth in cold water and applying it to the rash for 15-20 minutes can greatly reduce itching and inflammation. Do not apply ice directly.
- Oatmeal baths: Adding a little colloidal oatmeal to a basin of lukewarm water and soaking in it for a while can reduce skin dryness and itching.
The most important thing is to see a doctor before doing anything, especially if the rash is severe, spreading, or painful. He or she can prescribe the strongest medication that is right for your condition.
Recognize an emergency!
Most of the time, these skin allergies are not life-threatening. However, very rarely , a severe allergic reaction, called anaphylaxis, can occur. In this case, the allergy can spread rapidly throughout the body and cause difficulty breathing.
If your lips start to swell, your tongue feels swollen, or you feel like you're having trouble breathing, it's an emergency. Go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
Take-Home Message
- Contact dermatitis is a red, itchy rash that occurs when something comes into contact with the skin. This is a very common condition.
- This is not a contagious disease. You cannot spread it to anyone else.
- The best treatment is to identify the allergen and avoid contact with it.
- You can do medical tests like a patch test to find out exactly what you are allergic to. For that, see a dermatologist.
- While there are things you can do at home to reduce itching and discomfort, it's safest to talk to your doctor before starting any treatment.
- If symptoms such as swelling of the lips and difficulty breathing occur, it could be a sign of a severe allergy. Go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
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