Allergic contact dermatitis
Allergic Contact Dermatitis
Allergic contact dermatitis (pronounced: al-ler-gic con-tact der-ma-ti-tis) is a type of skin condition that occurs when an individual's skin comes into contact with a substance that they are allergic to.
Etymology
The term "allergic contact dermatitis" is derived from the Greek words "allergos" (meaning "other work"), "kontaktos" (meaning "touch"), "derma" (meaning "skin"), and "itis" (meaning "inflammation").
Definition
Allergic contact dermatitis is a dermatological condition characterized by red, itchy, and inflamed skin following exposure to an allergen. The reaction is a result of the immune system's response to the allergen, which it perceives as a threat.
Symptoms
Symptoms of allergic contact dermatitis can vary from person to person, but typically include:
- Redness
- Itching
- Swelling
- Blisters
- Dry, scaly skin
Causes
Allergic contact dermatitis is caused by exposure to an allergen. Common allergens include:
- Nickel
- Rubber
- Certain types of perfume
- Certain types of cosmetics
- Certain types of plants, such as poison ivy
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of allergic contact dermatitis is typically made through a combination of a physical examination and a detailed patient history. In some cases, a patch test may be used to identify the specific allergen causing the reaction.
Treatment
Treatment for allergic contact dermatitis typically involves avoiding the allergen and using topical treatments to soothe the skin. In severe cases, oral medications may be prescribed.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Allergic contact dermatitis
- Wikipedia's article - Allergic contact dermatitis
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