We Treat Contact Dermatitis in Central Texas
Tru-Skin Dermatology Is Experienced With Contact Dermatitis
Tru-Skin Dermatology has seven locations in Central Texas committed to preventing and treating all kinds of skin conditions, including allergic reactions such as contact dermatitis. Daniel J. Ladd, DO and his team of professionals offer a complete line of medical and cosmetic dermatology procedures in the comfort of our modern offices using non-invasive techniques for minimal downtime and faster recoveries. If you notice skin abnormalities or spots, contact us to schedule an appointment with an experienced dermatologist today.
What Is Contact Dermatitis?
Contact dermatitis is a basic red, itchy rash that isn’t contagious or life-threatening, but it can be very uncomfortable. It develops when the skin comes in contact with a substance it’s allergic to. The reaction only occurs when the skin comes in direct contact with the irritant, and if the substance is avoided, the rash should clear up on its own within a few days.
What Causes the Rash?
The rash only occurs with direct contact, creating an allergic reaction. There are thousands of unknown irritants and allergens in the world that go into different products, and the specific type of contact dermatitis can be allergic or irritant. While the actual ingredient responsible for the rash might be hard to pinpoint, contact dermatitis is often caused by substances such as:
- Perfume
- Soap
- Shampoo
- Medications
- Solvents
- Rubbing Alcohol
- Bleach
- Detergents
- Fertilizers and pesticides
- Plants
- Airborne substances such as pollen, sawdust, or wool dust
Symptoms of Contact Dermatitis
The skin must come in direct contact with the substance for contact dermatitis to occur, such as having poison ivy leaves brush on your legs while walking through the woods or a perfume applied to the wrist or neck area. Symptoms can occur almost immediately or take up to a few hours to appear. Common signs and symptoms include:
- Red rashes
- Itching on the skin
- Dry or cracked skin
- Swelling, burning, or tenderness
- Bumps or blisters
How To Treat Contact Dermatitis
If you can pinpoint the item that caused the skin irritation, simply avoiding that substance will keep you free of any further allergic reactions. In some cases, the immune system may build up a tolerance to the irritant, and eventually, reactions to it will no longer occur. If you have a rash that doesn’t subside or seems to be getting worse, our staff is trained to treat various skin conditions. Depending on the cause or severity of the rash, treatments may include:
- Ointments or creams
- Antihistamine
- Anti-Inflammatory medication
How to Prevent Contact Dermatitis
Our team of dermatology professionals likes to keep our patients informed about skin conditions and help answer frequently asked questions about skincare and ways to stay healthy. An essential step to take with any skin condition is prevention. Whether it’s skin cancer or a skin rash, there are many things we can do to protect ourselves. When it comes to contact dermatitis, preventing it includes:
- Avoiding Irritants and Allergens – If you know your skin is sensitive to certain substances, avoid them at all costs to keep contact to a minimum.
- Wash Your Skin After Contact – If you come in contact with a substance, you can sometimes successfully wash off the irritant or allergen using a mild soap. Wash the skin completely and remove and wash any clothing that came in contact with it.
- Wear Protective Clothing – Long sleeves and gloves when working with substances or walking outdoors will help protect skin from touching allergens and irritants.
- Apply a Topical Barrier – Over-the-counter creams are available to help stop the allergy-causing effects of poison ivy.
Find Treatment for Contact Dermatitis
If you have a history of contact dermatitis or difficulty managing a skin rash caused by an allergic reaction to a substance, contact Tru-Skin Dermatology for help. While this condition isn’t life-threatening, it can be very uncomfortable and make you self-conscious about your skin. We have eight locations throughout Central Texas, including Austin, Bastrop, Bulverde/Spring Branch, Cedar Park, Hallettsville, La Grange, and Round Rock. Contact us to schedule an appointment today.