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Contact dermatitis, or contact eczema, is divided into allergic and non-allergic. Allergic contact dermatitis is caused by numerous antigens that cause sensitization. In the latter case, skin inflammation is caused by irritants. Find out which allergens and irritants trigger contact dermatitis.
Contact dermatitis(akacontact eczema ) is the skin's reaction to certain allergens, agents, or irritants that occurs after direct contact with them.
Allergic contact dermatitis( allergic eczema ) develops in people who are allergic to a given substance (allergen) and its symptoms even develop after a small part of the allergen has been contacted. It is the result of an incorrect, disproportionate response of the immune system to the action of a given allergen. When the skin comes into contact with an allergen, the antibodies react to it like a foreign body that needs to be combated. Then large amounts of histamine are released from the cells into the blood, which, among others, dilates blood vessels, causing and accelerating inflammation. However, for an allergic eczema to occur, the allergen must first be hypersensitive. This means that the first time you come into contact with a sensitizing substance, no symptoms of dermatitis occur. The body is only allergic to a given substance. Only when the skin comes into contact with this allergen again, as a result of a morbid reaction of the already sensitized immune system, allergic eczema occurs. In the case of this type of contact dermatitis, the potential allergens are mainly metals: nickel, cob alt, chromium.
Non-allergic contact dermatitisis the result of skin irritation and not of a hypersensitivity to the allergen. In this case, skin inflammation appears after the first contact with an irritating substance. Cosmetics and detergents are the most common non-allergenic substances causing skin inflammation in contact eczema.
It is worth knowing that the penetration of allergens and irritants is influenced by many factors, such as moisture andhigh temperature, which widens the pores of the skin, deepening the penetration of these substances, as well as the continuity of the skin. People who have wounds and struggle with dry skin and dermatitis are also at greater risk of developing contact dermatitis.
Contact dermatitis - metals
The metal that most causes sensitization is nickel. It can be found practically everywhere: in coins, jewelry, zippers, belt buckles, metal buttons (e.g. jeans) and eyeglass frames. Other metals that are potential allergens include chromium (e.g. cement, detergents, bleaches, match heads, tanned leather), cob alt (e.g. fridge magnets, jewelry, buttons).
Contact dermatitis - cosmetics
Cosmetics contain herbal or plant extracts, as well as fragrances, dyes and preservatives, which are not only potential allergens, but can also irritate the skin. Among the preservatives, special attention should be paid to formaldehyde, quaterinum-15, imidizolidinyl urea, methyldimethyl hydantoin and parabens. It is worth knowing that preservatives contained in cosmetics may be hidden in the composition of cosmetics under different trade names. Therefore, when buying perfumes, essential oils, creams and lotions, you should carefully read the ingredients.
Dyes can also be dangerous to the skin, such as p-phenylenediamine (PPD) - a highly sensitizing dye that is often referred to as "artificial henna". It can be found in hair dyes (both permanent and washable) as well as temporary and black henna tattoos. In rare cases, it can also be found in sunscreen. It is worth knowing that it is also a fabric dye and a component of printing inks. Paraphenylenediamine, as an allergen, is very dangerous because it can cause not onlycontact allergy , but also cause shortness of breath and evenanaphylactic shock , which is a medical emergency.
ImportantPhotosensitizing substances as a cause of skin allergy
Allergic eczemacan also be the result of skin contact with certain substances under the sun. One example is an allergic reaction after applying a sunscreen cream (most often one containing para-aminobenzoic acid) to the skin and exposing it to sunlight. Then the most harmful radiation is UVA.
Contact dermatitis - detergents
Skin irritants and allergens may be contained in washing powders or fabric softeners. To prevent the appearance of powder allergiesit is better to change it to the hypoallergenic one, specially made for allergy sufferers, or simply to change the washing powder to another one. It is also recommended not to use fabric softeners or fabric softeners. On the other hand, before using cleaning agents (especially bleaches), wear protective gloves so that they do not irritate the skin.
Contact Dermatitis - Gum
However, even after wearing protective gloves, you may be allergic to the rubber (e.g. latex) the gloves are made of. Rubber is also an ingredient of shoes and underwear (stockings and tights). Allergy to rubber often occurs in people working in the production of rubber products. The most common sensitizing ingredient is thiuram (tetramethylthiuram disulfide), used primarily as the so-called vulcanization accelerator in the production of rubber. It is worth knowing that it is also used in agriculture as a component of fungicides (fungicides). It is also an additive to paints and varnishes.
Contact dermatitis - plants
Plants whose oily sap can cause allergic reactions include sumac, poison oak and poison ivy. Mango skin and ginkgo leaves have similar properties.
Contact dermatitis - other causes
- alcohol and disinfectants
- gasoline
- diesel fuel
- organic solvents
- insecticides
- fertilizers
- acids contained in batteries
- paints for painting
- wallpaper adhesives
Where can you find the most allergenic chemical?
The most sensitizing chemical is formaldehyde. It is a substance that can be released as an odorless gas from items such as veneer panels, insulation, furniture, rugs, clothing and even from car exhaust fumes.