Determining the Cause of Allergic Contact Dermatitis

Allergic contact dermatitis is one of the most frustrating forms of eczema. It seems that out of no where your skin erupts into a swollen, itchy, and painful red rash. This type of eczema occurs when the skin has direct contact with an allergen. Many people agree that one of the most effective ways of treating eczema is to prevent it from happening. Preventing this eczema is as simple as avoiding the allergen, but first you have to identify it.

It is important to remember when diagnosing the condition that it is not an immediate reaction. There are other types of skin rashes that occur almost immediately after coming into contact. Likewise, they begin to improve soon after the allergen is removed. Allergic contact dermatitis can take up to 48 to 72 hours before a reaction can be visible on the skin. The eczema also takes longer to heal. This delayed reaction is why it makes it more difficult to diagnose the specific allergen causing the eczema.

Patch testing is a very common method used to determine allergens. Patch testing accounts for the delayed reaction and the longer time frame which is associated with this type of eczema. Patch testing is done by applying low dose strips of the allergen to the skin for two days. If a reaction occurs, especially if there is a red or inflamed spot, then you know that allergen is one of your eczema triggers. This testing does take a while to test all of the common allergens. If yours is a more unusual trigger then it will take more time.

If you do not have the time or inclination for a series of patch tests, you can try to identify your allergen on your own. It is not an impossible task. However, it will take some patience, good note taking, and great observational skills.

You should begin determining your allergen by keeping notes about the location of the eczema. Contact dermatitis, just as the name implies, occurs when the allergen touches the skin. If you find you are regularly getting eczema in the same place then you need to journal what regularly touches your skin in that location. If only one item is on your list, then you have easily identified your allergen. If there is more than one item on your list then you will have to use the process of elimination by avoiding all but one allergen for at least 2 weeks. If you have no reaction, expose yourself to another allergen for the next 2 weeks. Continue this process until you have a reaction and can identify your allergen.

This type of reaction is very common when you are sensitive to nickel. Many people are allergic to nickel. Unfortunately, nickel is a common material used in jewelry, watches, and other accessories that regularly come into contact with your skin. If you find that you have a regular rash on your ears, wrist, or neck then a nickel allergy should be your chief suspect.

Some of the other more common culprits for allergic contact dermatitis are items that are around you everyday. Skin care products, rubber and latex, hair dyes, and nail varnish are classic allergens. When you are outside, poison oak and poison ivy are known to cause contact dermatitis. The more uncommon allergies tend to be found in the workplace. Nurses, wood workers, construction workers, welders, painters, and other people who work around unusual chemicals often find that they have an allergy to one or more substances at work. This is called occupational contact dermatitis. You may need your employer to help you identify and control this type of exposure.

Identifying your specific allergen is the most important step to treating your allergic contact dermatitis. This will help you control your exposure which will help you control and prevent your eczema. The sooner you can determine your allergens, the sooner you will be able to stop your suffering.

To understand more more about Eczema and treatment for Eczema, check out Blake Helton's articles on the above mentioned links.

categories: eczema,diseases,skin care,alternative,health