Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is skin inflammation that results from contact with an irritant or allergen. It can be acute or chronic, and may appear as red, itchy, thickened, or blistering skin.

Acute Dermatitis is usually caused by exposure to allergens (like perfume, metal, latex, or dyes).
Chronic Dermatitis (Atopic Eczema) is long-lasting and often hereditary, commonly affecting children and aggravated by stress.

Types of Contact Dermatitis:

Allergic Contact Dermatitis: Triggered by allergens like nickel, fragrances, hair dye, or rubber.
Irritant Dermatitis: Caused by harsh substances such as detergents or solvents.
Seborrheic Dermatitis: Related to yeast (Malassezia); more common in people with neurological conditions like Parkinson’s or after puberty.

Diagnosis:

Often made by a dermatologist through visual inspection. If needed, patch testing is used to identify the allergen.

Treatments Include:

Avoiding the irritant or allergen
Topical steroids and anti-inflammatory creams
Non-steroidal medications (e.g., Protopic®, Elidel®, Eucrisa®)
Antibiotics for secondary infections
Antihistamines to control itching
Phototherapy or laser treatments for more stubborn cases
Dupixent®, an injectable biologic for certain types of eczema

Self-care Tips:

Use lukewarm water for bathing, avoid bar soaps
Wear soft cotton clothing; avoid wool
Apply fragrance-free moisturizers regularly
Protect your skin from known irritants

If you are in search of either a Quincy dermatologist or a dermatologist in Plymouth, Integrated Dermatology has you covered. Both locations offer comprehensive contact dermatitis treatments in Massachusetts that will get you on your way to relief as quickly as possible.