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Allergic contact dermatitis: triggers and prevention

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There are a number  that can trigger  . In the place where there was direct contact with the substance causing  ,  is red and itchy. Allergic contact dermatitis is most often caused by metals (e.g. nickel). You can be exposed to allergy-causing substances both at home and at work. What can you do to prevent allergic contact dermatitis?

What is  contact dermatitis?

In   becomes red and itchy in the place where there was direct contact with the substance that triggers the allergy. Allergic contact dermatitis belongs to  (see the article Allergy: what is it? ). This means, among other things, that a certain amount of time will pass before  manifests itself . Allergic contact dermatitis occurs mainly in the armpits, hands, face, sides, skin folds on the buttocks,  , legs and feet. However, dermatitis (  ) can also appear elsewhere than only in places that have been in contact with  . In rarer cases, this skin manifestation can spread to the whole body. Sometimes there are also skin manifestations that do not look like dermatitis – especially on  (e.g.  ). There, allergic contact dermatitis manifests itself as a poorly healing  , which can spread to the entire  or the lips (allergic contact  ).

How does allergic contact dermatitis develop?

Visible skin irritation appears approximately 48 to 72 hours after contact with the allergen. For more information about the different types of allergies, see the article Allergies: what is it? Allergic contact dermatitis develops as a result of a  reaction . They have already been  against an allergen at some point in the past , i.e. the body has developed  against it . If contact with the substance triggering the allergy occurs again, allergic contact dermatitis occurs.

Rarely, however, allergic contact dermatitis can manifest as  . In this case,  and dermatitis will appear immediately, within 30 minutes at the latest, in the place where contact with the allergen occurred. These skin reactions usually occur with another form of allergy that is responsible for  ,  ,  , or  . Hives and dermatitis can occur with an allergy to latex, cat and dog  , or various types of vegetables.

If the skin is dry or  , it is easier for the allergen to penetrate it. The same goes for sweating or wearing tight clothing. Some studies suggest that  for developing allergic contact dermatitis .  also have a higher risk of sensitization to  .

What are the causes of allergic contact dermatitis?

In total, more than 3,000 contact allergens have already been detected. However, allergic contact dermatitis is most often caused by several hundred of them. Among them are the following substances:

  • fragrance mixtures (used e.g. in cosmetics or skin care products),
  • essential oils,
  •  (e.g. contained in cement or mineral oil products),
  • potassium dichromate (e.g. contained in tanned leather or cement),
  • formaldehyde (preservative and  ),
  • isothiazolines (preservatives used e.g. in cosmetics or cleaning agents); this group of chemicals includes, among others, methylisothiazolinone, which may not be added to some products within the European Union,
  • rosin (resin, e.g. in plasters),
  • propolis (bee mastic),
  • para-phenylenediamine –  (e.g. contained in  dyes or rubber products),
  •  that are applied to the skin, especially  ,
  • bronopol (preservative, is contained in e.g. cleaning agents),
  • certain plants or their extracts (e.g. arnica, tea tree oil*, Peruvian balsam, yarrow),
  • tattoo colors.

* the English name tea tree oil is also often used in Czech ; it is the oil of the alternate-leaved cajeput (lat. Melaleuca alternifolia )

Allergic contact dermatitis is most often caused by nickel salts, cobalt salts and chromium. Nickel is not only found in jewellery, but also in buttons, glasses, food (e.g. chocolate) and cooking pots. However, fragrances (e.g. contained in cosmetics) and chemicals contained in cleaning products, hair dyes or clothes can also trigger allergies.  with other substances also occur . Sometimes the skin reaction can be triggered by two different substances that work at the same time (this can especially apply to some creams).

There is a labeling obligation according to the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI) for some – by no means all – fragrances that can cause allergies. Furthermore, there is a European regulation which, among other things, determines the maximum rate of release of nickel from objects intended for direct and long-term contact with the skin, typically from costume jewelry ( REACH ) [1].

Only rarely is allergic contact dermatitis caused by eating foods containing nickel (e.g. chocolate, soy, other legumes, black tea) or as a result of airborne transmission (perhaps by chemicals such as epoxy resins).

Occupation as a risk

Professional contact with allergenic substances increases the risk of developing an allergy. However, it can take months to years for the allergy to manifest itself.

How can allergic contact dermatitis be prevented?

A very basic rule is to avoid a substance that is known to trigger an allergy. In addition, as part of  (and additionally treatment) of allergic contact dermatitis, it is recommended to use gentle cleansers for the skin, which have a  value between 6.0 and 6.5, and to dry thoroughly after washing. In addition, cosmetics without aromas and preservatives have proven themselves.

Natural cosmetics that are often touted as “all natural” often contain highly allergenic substances, such as Peruvian balsam. Before wearing newly purchased clothes or using new bed linen for the first time, wash them to remove the residues of chemicals used in the manufacture of textiles. The occurrence of allergic contact dermatitis can also be prevented by the correct use of sunscreens. Your  or  will recommend suitable preparations .

Hand care tips

Hands are particularly often exposed to various substances, e.g. when washing dishes by hand or cleaning. If you know you are prone to developing eczema on your hands, the following practical tips can help prevent or alleviate this discomfort (in addition to appropriate treatment):

  • Wash your hands with soap-free products; always make sure to carefully wipe dry, even between the fingers.
  • Lubricate your hands with ointment or cream several times a day as recommended by your doctor.
  • Wear protective gloves when handling cleaning agents or polishes.
  • Always wear gloves in cold weather.
  • If you wear rings, clean them regularly – as well as the skin under the rings.

What is irritant contact dermatitis?

It is necessary to distinguish allergic contact dermatitis from so-called  , in which it is not an allergy, but an irritation of the skin. In this case, the results  tests are negative, but the appearance is similar. A rash appears several minutes to hours after contact. It manifests itself as pain rather than itching, and it is also sharply demarcated. Be careful, the rash can become  (chronic irritant skin reaction), when the skin scales and gradually thickens. The hands,  and the area around the mouth are particularly affected .

Irritant contact dermatitis is caused by direct damage to the skin by substances or factors that have an irritating or even  effect on the skin . These may include, for example:

  • detergents,
  • disinfectants,
  • hair dyes,
  • food (in case of skin contact with raw fish, meat, fruit, vegetables),
  • heat, cold (e.g. even when in contact with water of a significantly different temperature),
  • plants,
  • jellyfish, hairs of caterpillars (e.g. the caterpillar of the wandering barnacle, lat. Thaumetopoea processionea ),
  • cement dust, wood dust, etc.,
  • mechanical stress,
  • glass wool.

 

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