Contact dermatitis is a specific type of rash characterized by redness and itchy skin. This rash is caused primarily by direct contact with a trigger that a person is sensitive to. Although this type of rash isn’t contagious or life-threatening, it can be very uncomfortable. Having this allergic reaction on your face, hands, and feet can be especially troublesome. If you are experiencing bouts of red, itchy skin, our team at Coastal Dermatology + Aesthetics is happy to help.
What Are the Causes?
Contact dermatitis appears when your skin is exposed to irritants that trigger an allergic reaction. The specific irritant that your body is susceptible to depends on your genetics and immune system. Some common triggers include solvents, bleach, certain plants, shampoos, and pesticides. Depending on your body’s sensitivity level, you may react strongly after a single exposure or develop symptoms after repeated exposure to even mild irritants. In some cases, you may develop a resistance to your trigger over time.
Contact Dermatitis Symptoms
This specific type of rash usually develops in an area of your body that has been in direct contact with your trigger. After your skin touches the substance, contact dermatitis can develop within minutes or hours of exposure. In some cases, the rash can last weeks before easing. Along with having a red patch of skin, you may also experience swelling, burning, tenderness, blistering, and scaly skin.
Seeking Help from Coastal Dermatology + Aesthetics
More often than not, allergic dermatitis typically goes away on its own. Depending on your symptoms, soaking the rash in oatmeal and drying it properly may help the rash subside. However, if your rash is especially troublesome or doesn’t seem to go away, seeking contact dermatitis treatments at our San Luis Obispo center may be helpful to you. When you come in for a skin care consultation, Dr. Kilcline will work with you to determine the extent of your symptoms and prescribe an appropriate remedy.
Contact Dermatitis Treatments in San Luis Obispo, CA
If you’re dealing with persistent allergies and inflammation of the skin, we urge you to get in touch with our center as soon as possible. Our team at Coastal Dermatology + Aesthetics will do everything possible to help you overcome your symptoms and feel great again. To connect with our center, please fill out the form below, or give us a call at (805) 544-5567 today!
