Allergic dermatitis is a common skin condition caused by exposure to an allergen. Treatment is supervised by a dermatologist and can include avoiding allergens, medication, and skin creams. It is important to note allergies in medical records to avoid triggering them during medical care.
Allergic dermatitis is inflammation of the skin caused by exposure to an allergen. This skin condition is very common. There are numerous treatments that can be used to address allergic dermatitis. Treatment of this condition is usually supervised by a dermatologist, a doctor who specializes in identifying and treating skin disorders. Getting treatment is recommended both because there is no reason to allow skin irritation to persist without treatment when it can be managed and because allergic dermatitis is sometimes accompanied by complications that could become medical problems.
In allergic contact dermatitis, the skin reacts directly to something it comes into contact with. For example, someone with a wool allergy who wears wool clothing might experience an outbreak of allergic dermatitis in areas where the skin has come in contact with the wool. Similarly, people can also develop dermatitis when they ingest an allergen due to a sustained immune reaction.
Dermatitis occurs when the immune system mistakenly thinks something is a threat and fights back to neutralize it. The reaction causes inflammation, which leads to itching, redness, and swelling. The patient may also experience pain, especially if the dermatitis is chronic, and sometimes the skin may crack and ulcerate. The area of the break can be extremely uncomfortable, especially if it’s trapped under the bands of a garment.
Many conditions can look like allergic dermatitis, and a dermatologist may be needed to examine the site and run diagnostic tests to confirm an allergic reaction is occurring. Once allergic dermatitis is identified, your doctor can begin narrowing down possible allergens. Challenge tests may be used in which the patient is exposed to known allergens.
One way to deal with allergic dermatitis is to avoid exposure to the allergens in question. If, for example, someone develops contact dermatitis after handling a certain food, that food can be avoided in the future. Medications can also be prescribed so that immune reactions aren’t as strong, allowing people to be around allergens without necessarily experiencing a severe reaction. For ongoing outbreaks, skin creams may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and itching and make the patient feel more comfortable.
Patients with a history of allergic dermatitis should ensure it is noted in their medical records. Skin allergies to things like latex and cornstarch are especially important to record because people providing medical care may need to take special steps to avoid triggering allergies.
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