Contact dermatitis may have two sources: (1) those originating from clothing and fabrics; and (2) those originating from adhesive materials, rubber, and bandages. Let us take a look at the first source of contact dermatitis.

Contact dermatitis refers to the skin condition which is characterized by inflammation resulting from exposure to substance which necessarily causes irritation or allergic reaction. The sources of contact dermatitis are varied, ranging from household products, metal jewelry, cosmetics, to industrial chemicals and even up to medications.

Contact dermatitis which occurs because of clothing or fabric is usually associated with wearing of clothes with metal snaps or zippers.

Allergic Contact Dermatitis Rash (ACD) This type of contact dermatitis relates to the reaction of the immune system to certain chemicals. ACD is common in hypersensitive individuals. The onset of allergic contact dermatitis starts within 24 to 36 hours after exposure to the allergen substance. The delay is due to the action of engaging body immune system. Signs and symptoms for ACD may differ depending on the person immune defenses. Statistics show that approximately 20% of the U.S. population is at danger of acquiring ACD emanating from the sensitivity of the skin to common allergens.

Irritant Contact Dermatitis Rash (ICD) ICD is the irritating skin reaction to poisonous or toxic chemicals. One common variety of ICD is the diaper rash in children. Natural chemicals found in the urine and stool is what triggers the skin reaction. Baby food and saliva may also contribute to ICD in infants. For adults, contact dermatitis occurs after exposure to cutting agents, strong soaps or solvents.

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Skin Allergy Rash: Signs and Symptoms

ACD In allergic contact dermatitis, symptoms include blistering, severe itching and skin redness. As mentioned above, the delay in the immune system also determines the period when the signs may appear.

ICD In non-critical cases, there can only be serene redness of the skin. However, in severe cases blistering, skin swelling, or even ulceration may result. Signs may begin to manifest right away after exposure to the irritating substance or agent, and the rashes are only found on areas of the skin that have been in direct contact with the irritant.

Skin Allergy Rash: Treatment

Common skin allergy rash medications prescribed by dermatologists or physicians:

Rash Skin Moisturizers Skin moisturizers are to prevent dryness which often leads to infection. Among the common available skin moisturizers are Vanicream, Cetaphil, petroleum jelly, and Eucerin. Oatmeal baths (Aveeno) are also effective for some people.

Rash Corticosteroid Creams These creams alleviate the discomfort in skin inflammation. Corticosteroid may come in creams or ointments containing the following active ingredient: hydrocortisone (Hytone), hydrocortisone butyrate (Locoid), hydrocortisone valerate (Westcort), desonide (Tridesilon or DesOwen), amcinonide (Cyclocort), fluocinonide (Lidex) or desoximetasone (Topicort). In severe cases of symptoms, corticosteroids can be injected or can be orally taken.

Rash Antihistamines This is the basic treatment in controlling severe itch of a patient. Antihistamines include fexofenadine (Allegra), cetirizine (Zyrtec), hydroxyzine (Atarax), loratadine (Claritin) and diphenhydramine (Benadryl). Some of these medications may have the side-effect of drowsiness.