Contact Dermatitis

What is contact dermatitis?

Contact dermatitis happens when something that our skin touches causes a rash – either it irritates the skin (irritant contact dermatitis) or causes an allergic reaction (allergic contact dermatitis). Some rashes happen immediately and some take time to appear.

What are the symptoms of contact dermatitis?

Symptoms include intense itching, red rash, burning/stinging sensation, hives, and in some cases even fluid-filled blisters. This skin condition often affects a person’s quality of life as the rash can make many daily activities painful and uncomfortable.

What causes allergic contact dermatitis?

The offenders of allergic contact dermatitis can include preservatives or other chemicals in products we use everyday. The development of allergy occurs over time and with repeated exposure. Some classic cases of contact allergy include nickel allergy, latex allergy and poison ivy dermatitis. Products that were previously well tolerated by a patient may cause allergic contact dermatitis due to either a slight change in formulation. That is why a thorough history of all products is key, including those that are prescription, over the counter, and homeopathic in nature.

What causes irritant contact dermatitis?

Factors include repeated exposure to water or frequent hand washing, harsh soaps and chemicals, etc. Other potential irritants include dry air and major changes in temperature. Exposures are frequently occupational, and some of the high-risk jobs include cleaning (janitors), health care workers, food preparation (chefs or others who work with food), and hairdressers/beauticians.

How can contact dermatitis be treated?

With hundreds of triggers/products (hair dyes, nickel, chemicals, cosmetics, poison ivy, etc.) that can cause contact dermatitis, successfully diagnosing and treating this skin condition can be challenging. Thus, it’s important to see a Board-Certified Dermatologist as they frequently see and treat this condition. . Some effective prescription medications include topical steroids, topical immunomodulators, antihistamines, oral steroids and rarely antibiotics.

Stamford Office

2777 Summer St, STE 600, Stamford, CT 06905

Milford Office

60 Commerce Park, STE C, Milford, CT 06460

Contact Us

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

by submitting this form you agree to be contacted via phone/text/email.

Milford Office

60 Commerce Park, STE C, Milford, CT 06460

    SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION + 25% OFF A COOLSCULPTING PACKAGE

    Enter your information below to schedule a complimentary consultation with a CoolSculpting specialist.




      REQUEST A CALL FROM OUR Skin Cancer Specialist

      Enter your information below to
      for more information.




        REQUEST A CALL FROM OUR Laser Hair Removal Specialist

        Fill out the form below to request a laser hair removal consultation




          REQUEST A FRAXELConsultation

          Enter your information below to schedule your Fraxel consultation.




            REQUEST AN Botox and DysportConsultation

            Enter your information below to
            request an Botox and Dysport consultation.




              REQUEST A CALL FROM OUR Specialist

              Enter your information below to
              for more information.