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You are here : Healthopedia.com > Medical Encyclopedia > Diseases and Conditions > Contact Dermatitis: Prevention & Expectations
      Category : Health Centers > Skin Conditions

Contact Dermatitis

Alternate Names : Allergic Contact Dermatitis, Irritant Contact Dermatitis

Contact Dermatitis | Symptoms & Signs | Diagnosis & Tests | Prevention & Expectations | Treatment & Monitoring | Pictures and Images | Attribution


What can be done to prevent the condition?

To prevent contact dermatitis, a person can take the following steps:

  • Substitute vinyl gloves, if he or she has an allergic reaction to latex or other forms of rubber.
  • Choose hypoallergenic perfumes, cosmetics, deodorants, and jewelry.
  • Wear gloves, long pants, and long sleeves for protection from poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac plants.
  • Apply hypoallergenic lotion to skin often.
  • Once an individual is aware of allergens that trigger their contact dermatitis, they should take steps to avoid the trigger. For example, people sensitive to PPD can use temporary hair rinses or dyes that are PPD-free. A person sensitive to neomycin ointment should use antibiotic ointments that don't contain that medication.

    What are the long-term effects of the condition?

    If contact dermatitis is not treated effectively, the individual may have almost constant outbreaks of the allergic reaction. Skin may become very irritated, with skin thickening and changes in color. Secondary infections can occur.

    What are the risks to others?

    Contact dermatitis is not contagious and poses no risk to others.


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    Contact Dermatitis: Diagnosis & Tests

     

    Contact Dermatitis: Treatment & Monitoring

    Author: Lynn West, MD
    Reviewer: Barbara Mallari, RN, BSN, PHN
    Date Reviewed: 07/27/01









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    Page Last Updated: 30th May, 2006