Contact dermatitis

Definition

Contact dermatitis is a skin condition resulting from exposure to an irritant or allergen, causing inflammation. Symptoms include redness, itching, and sometimes blistering or peeling of the skin.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Contact dermatitis can be classified into irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) and allergic contact dermatitis (ACD).
2. Common causes of ICD include soaps, detergents, and solvents, while ACD is triggered by allergens like nickel, poison ivy, and certain fragrances.
3. Topical corticosteroids are often used to treat inflammation caused by contact dermatitis.
4. Avoidance of the identified irritant or allergen is crucial in managing and preventing further episodes.
5. Patch testing can help identify specific allergens responsible for allergic contact dermatitis.

Review Questions

• What are the two main types of contact dermatitis?
• Which treatments are commonly used to reduce inflammation in contact dermatitis?
• How can you prevent future episodes of contact dermatitis?

Related terms

Eczema:

A chronic skin condition causing inflamed, itchy, cracked, and rough skin.

Topical Corticosteroids:

Medications applied directly to the skin to reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms of dermatologic conditions.

Patch Testing: A diagnostic method used to identify substances that cause allergic reactions on the skin.