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Contact dermatitis is a skin condition characterized by a red itchy rash. Although the rash isn’t dangerous, it can cause irritation, frustration, and embarrassment. If you are experiencing contact dermatitis in Philadelphia, you may need to visit Keystone Dermatology Partners.

The condition is an allergic reaction caused by direct contact with a triggering material, called an allergen. Potential allergens include clothes, soaps, jewelry, and perfume. To treat the problem effectively, you need to find out what is causing it. If you can keep away from the cause of the problem, the rash goes away in time.

Soothing your skin with cold, wet compresses or ice helps immensely in treatment of symptoms. Symptoms recede with anti-itch creams and anti-allergy medication as well.

Symptoms

Contact dermatitis occurs on the body only in places that have had contact with the offending substances. Those areas will be covered in a red rash. For instance, it could occur on the knee if that part has touched a poison ivy plant. It also happens to many people who wear a watch, especially on the part of the skin that touches the watch strap.

The itchy rash usually begins to develop almost immediately after the contact has taken place; sometimes it happens a few hours later. The allergy can last from two to up to four weeks.

Common Signs

Signs of the problem may include:

• Itching, which can range from mild to severe
• A rash, usually red or a deep pink
• Scaly skin or dry/cracked skin
• Bumps on the skin
• Burning, tenderness, or swelling
• Blisters with oozing


See a Dermatologist

If the rash gets too uncomfortable to bear, it is time to visit a dermatologist. If it distracts you from your usual activities or disrupts your sleep, these are signs that it is time to seek treatment. If the rash seems to be spreading and you find that the rash has spread to your face or genital area, you must visit your dermatologist.

Within three weeks at the most, the rash should recede or go away. If this isn’t the case, you must seek help from your medical practitioner. If it doesn’t go away, your dermatologist will likely put you on a course of medication that will alleviate symptoms and take care of the problem.

Emergencies

In some extreme cases of contact dermatitis, a skin infection can occur and pus may emanate from the blisters. You may even get a fever.

In very rare cases, people breathe in the allergen inadvertently. Here, the mouth gets inflamed and may be prone to blistering. Alternately, the digestive tract has a mucus lining that can get swollen.

If you are experiencing any of these extreme situations, it is absolutely necessary to get medical help as soon as possible.

Contact Our Office to Arrange a Consultation

Patients experiencing the symptoms of contact dermatitis in Philadelphia should contact Keystone Dermatology Partners today for their consultation. Our experienced medical professionals will be available to help determine the cause of the reaction and can recommend the proper course of action.