What is a contact irritant?

What is a contact irritant?

What is irritant contact dermatitis? Irritant contact dermatitis is a form of contact dermatitis, in which the skin is injured by friction, environmental factors such as cold, over-exposure to water, or chemicals such as acids, alkalis, detergents and solvents.

How can you tell the difference between irritant and allergic contact dermatitis?

It is known to be of two major types; irritant or allergic contact dermatitis….Distinctions between irritant and allergic contact dermatitis.

What is irritant contact dermatitis caused by?

Irritant contact dermatitis may be caused by frequent exposure to a weak irritant, such as soap or detergent. It may also develop if you’ve been in contact with a stronger irritant for a short while.

How is irritant contact dermatitis diagnosed?

Signs and symptoms of contact dermatitis include:

1. A red rash.
2. Itching, which may be severe.
3. Dry, cracked, scaly skin.
4. Bumps and blisters, sometimes with oozing and crusting.
5. Swelling, burning or tenderness.

How do you get rid of irritant contact dermatitis?

To help reduce itching and soothe inflamed skin, try these self-care approaches:

1. Avoid the irritant or allergen.
2. Apply an anti-itch cream or lotion to the affected area.
3. Take an oral anti-itch drug.
4. Apply cool, wet compresses.
5. Avoid scratching.
6. Soak in a comfortably cool bath.
7. Protect your hands.

Can irritant contact dermatitis go away on its own?

Most cases of contact dermatitis go away on their own once the substance is no longer in contact with the skin. Here are some tips you can try at home: Avoid scratching your irritated skin. Scratching can make the irritation worse or even cause a skin infection that requires antibiotics.