Contact Dermatitis

Asthma, an obstructive lung disease characterized by inflammation of the airways, affects millions of people worldwide, and it’s been on the rise in recent years. But what exactly is asthma? How can it be treated? Please keep reading to learn more about this chronic lung disease, its symptoms, and how to manage it best and treat it.

Asthma is a chronic lung condition that causes difficulty breathing. Asthma symptoms can vary from person to person but may include shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. Asthma can be managed with medication and by avoiding triggers. However, if you think your child may have asthma, it is essential to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

Types of Contact Dermatitis

There are two main types of contact dermatitis:

Allergic contact dermatitis- It is caused by an allergic reaction to a substance. As a defense mechanism, the body releases histamine and other chemicals that cause the symptoms of contact dermatitis. The allergens that trigger allergic contact dermatitis can be found in everyday products, such as cosmetics, detergents, and jewelry.

Irritant contact dermatitis- This type of contact dermatitis is caused by direct contact with a substance that irritates the skin. The symptoms of irritant contact dermatitis are typically less severe than those of allergic contact dermatitis. However, irritant contact dermatitis can lead to skin damage and infection if not treated properly.

Symptoms

The symptoms of contact dermatitis can vary depending on the type of reaction. Allergic contact dermatitis typically causes a sudden onset of symptoms, while irritant contact dermatitis develops more gradually.

Common symptoms of contact dermatitis include:

  • Rash
  • Itching
  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Blisters
  • Crusting
  • Scaling
  • Hives
  • Swelling of the face, eyes, lips, or tongue

Diagnosis

Our professional doctors at Medical Center Clinic can diagnose contact dermatitis by looking at the affected skin area. In some cases, a skin biopsy may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis.

If the cause of contact dermatitis is not obvious, we may recommend patch testing which involves applying small amounts of suspected allergens to the skin and observing the reaction over a period of time.

Management and Treatment

The best way to treat contact dermatitis is to avoid the substance causing the reaction. If you are allergic to a substance, you need to identify the allergen and take steps to avoid exposure.

If you have irritant contact dermatitis, avoid contact with irritants to protect the skin from further damage.

Our doctors may prescribe oral or topical corticosteroids if you have a severe reaction.

How Can We Help?

If you think you may have contact dermatitis, our team of specialists can provide you with the care and treatment you need. We will work with you to identify the cause of your reaction and develop a treatment plan tailored to your individual needs. Call us to learn more about how we can help you.

Providers

STEPHEN KIMURA, MD

Physician

BLAKE DOERR, PA-C

Physician Assistant

FRANCES BROWN, APRN-C

Nurse Practitioners