Contact dermatitis
What is it?
It is an inflammatory skin disorder characterized by severe itching, redness (erythema), sometimes blistering, scaling with progressive thickening of the skin, which is facilitated by scratching (lichenification); It is often an occupational disease (for example, hairdressers, bricklayers, etc.) caused by prolonged and habitual contact with potentially allergenic substances (metals, cement, detergents, perfumes, cosmetics, etc.)
The presence of predisposing skin factors (sensitive and dry skin, stress from cold or constant washing and the use of detergents that change the protective hydrolipid film) can contribute to the development of allergic dermatitis.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis is by a skin test (PATCH test), which involves applying a patch containing a panel of substances potentially responsible for dermatitis (for example, metals, rubbers, creams, paints, etc.) to healthy skin (usually in the dorsal region).
The test is read by removing the patch after 48 hours and assessing the possible appearance of localized eczema at the site of contact with specific allergens. The assessment should be repeated after 72 and sometimes 96 hours, and allows to accurately identify the groups of substances with which the patient should try to avoid contact.
Suggested exams
How is it treated?
Contact with the identified allergen should be avoided; the acute phase is treated with topical corticosteroids and antihistamines (by mouth) when the itching is severe, as scratching promotes chronic eczema and bacterial build-up (impetigo).
Where do we treat it?
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