Diagnosis
The diagnosis of a contact allergy includes various common tests of allergy diagnostics. The most important test for the diagnosis of a late type contact allergy is the epicutaneous test. In this test, potential allergens are incorporated in vaseline in a very high dilution and applied to the back of the affected person.
The standard test series of such an epicutaneous test comprises 29 substances, such as wool wax, propolis or fragrances, which are frequently involved in the development of a contact allergy. The skin reaction is read off after 48 and after 72 hours. Positive reactions are redness and blisters as well as papules (small raised areas).
On the basis of such a reaction it can be read off whether a substance is a possible trigger for the contact allergy. Contact allergies are less frequently allergic reactions of the immediate type. In order to determine such an allergy, special blood values are taken, namely the total IgE and the RAST laboratory.
These values are typically elevated in people who are prone to allergic diseases. In addition, the atopy patch test is performed. This test is very similar to the epicutaneous test, except that so-called aeroallergens are tested here. These are allergens, such as pollen and animal hair, which reach the skin through the air and cause an allergic reaction there. The so-called prick test is also often used, in which allergens are applied to the forearm.
Associated symptoms
A very important measure in the treatment of a contact allergy is to avoid the triggering allergen, for example nickel. Contact allergies do not usually disappear over the course of a lifetime, so the only consistent way is to avoid contact with the allergen. If contact eczema has already developed, different measures are used depending on the symptoms.
Acutely weeping skin areas should be treated with moist compresses. Greasy ointments are not recommended in this case. They may cause further irritation.
If the skin is very itchy or inflamed, local cortisone preparations can be applied. However, cortisone may only be applied to small areas of skin and for a short period of time, as it leads to thinning (atrophy) of the skin. A distinction is made between preparations with a high water content, such as creams and lotions, and ointment bases which are more likely to contain fat.
Creams and lotions are mainly applied to acute eczema as they moisturize the skin. In chronic eczema, which is more characterized by dry, scaly and cracked skin, oily ointment bases are particularly suitable for treating contact allergies. If there is no improvement, ointments with immunomodulating agents such as tacrolimus can also be used.
This active ingredient reduces the activity of the immune system and thus leads to a healing of the eczema. Chronic contact eczema is occasionally also treated with UV therapy. In case of contact allergies, one should refrain from using household remedies.
These can intensify the skin irritation or possibly promote the occurrence of further contact allergies. It is therefore advisable not to treat the irritated skin with household remedies or ointments, but to consult a dermatologist directly. This is the best way to assess the condition of the eczema and determine the contact allergy on the basis of its appearance.
Household remedies or the use of ointments can virtually falsify the appearance of the skin and thus make the diagnosis more difficult. Unfortunately, a contact allergy cannot be treated with homeopathic remedies. When contact allergies develop, complex processes take place in the immune system that cannot be influenced by homeopathic remedies.
Apart from that, there are no other medications available to cure a contact allergy. The allergy as such remains. Only avoiding the allergen prevents the occurrence of eczema. Drugs that dampen the allergic reaction, such as antihistamines, are used especially in the case of allergies of the immediate type and prevent the symptoms. However, they also do not lead to the disappearance of the allergy.
