“Avoid negative people, stay away from bad influence” These are common advices and I am pretty sure you have heard/read them as well. Do you know why, well because some people in our lives are like contact dermatitis? We are basically allergic to them or some of them like poison ivy is harmful to all. They will make you react or respond in ways not healthy, or even if you try to take the high road you may have to suffer in silence. For you to understand what I am saying let me explain contact dermatitis.
It is a condition in which your skin reacts to a substance when in contact, causing it to become red, itchy, rashy. Some people have sensitive skin and they get allergic easily by many substances. Some have thicker hides but still, over time, skin defense can be lower down on continuous contact and eventually your skin gets irritated by toxic substances and gives way to contact dermatitis.
In simple terms it is inflammation of the skin which commonly occurs in two cases.
- Skin comes in contact with something you are allergic to and causes your body’s immune system to react and releasing antibodies leading to itchy rashes. This is Allergic Contact Dermatitis. Since it involves body reaction, it can take up to 24 hours for the symptoms to emerge after contact. Common examples include poison ivy, nickel in jewelry, certain chemicals in cosmetics, perfumes, etc.
- The skin came in contact with something that harms the upper layer, basically irritates your skin and you develop the symptoms. This is common in people who come in contact with certain chemicals on a regular basis leading up to those rashes. Like a diaper rash in a baby, or people like healthcare workers, hairdressers, laundromat workers, who are constantly in contact with chemicals. This is Irritant Contact Dermatitis.
Symptoms include rashes, dryness, redness, itching, flaky skin, blisters, ulceration, burning sensation, tenderness, swelling.
Diagnosis is generally done by asking a set of questions like the previous history, when did the symptoms started appearing, any changes involved in products you use, and such. In more extreme scenarios a dermatologist can conduct a patch test to ascertain specifically what is causing your allergies as part of the diagnosis.
As for treatment if you simply avoid the substances causing the problem, it will disappear on its own within 1 to 4 weeks, however, you can apply wet compress or patches in order to relieve the itchiness. Doctors can prescribe some lotions or creams or in extreme cases antihistamines or antibiotics.
This condition is highly common, so the best strategy is to avoid allergens and irritants as much as possible. If you do deal with them then wash your hands and apply moisturizers. Ensure you don’t continue to experiment with any new products that you suspect might be harming you. At the initial symptom drop them.
Now you understand my analogy, the same principles can be applied to personal life as well, beyond just the body. So, make sure you are aware of your irritants, and tread carefully. It might take a few bumps and knock downs, but eventually you will be much happier when you know what triggers you and how to avoid it.