Duration
A contact allergy usually subsides within several days if the triggering allergen is avoided. The healing process is accelerated by consistent medical treatment with cortisone ointments and moist compresses. However, if the allergen is not avoided, contact allergies can lead to persistent eczema, which can last for weeks or even months. A contact allergy usually does not disappear in the course of a lifetime, so the triggering allergen should be avoided consistently.
History
In the case of a contact allergy, first of all an acute reaction of the skin occurs. This acute contact eczema is characterized by redness, itching and the formation of small blisters or papules. The eczema can become weeping and continue to itch severely.
In the absence of contact with the allergen, the symptoms disappear on their own within a few days and weeks. However, if the allergen remains in continuous contact with the skin, chronic contact eczema develops. This is mainly characterized by dry skin and a coarsened skin pattern.
The latter is also called lichenification. Skin cracks and scaling are also possible in chronic contact eczema. The contact allergy as such usually lasts a lifetime. By avoiding the allergen, however, the course of the allergy can be influenced very favorably, so that a symptom-free course can be achieved. Only very rarely do chronic eczemas develop.
Contact allergies according to localization
The hand comes into contact with many materials and fabrics in everyday life. It is therefore not surprising that it is often affected by eczema and skin problems. Contact allergies can also show up on the hands and lead to a real limitation in everyday life.
Itching, weeping eczema and redness are the typical symptoms of contact allergies on the hands.Possible triggers are chemicals, metals or even plants. Occupational groups such as hairdressers, chemical workers, construction workers or bakers, who are in constant contact with allergens, usually suffer more from such hand eczema. The most effective treatment measure is to avoid the allergen.
Especially in cases of mandatory occupational exposure, the consistent wearing of gloves is recommended to prevent chronic contact eczema. The face is not an all too rare localization of the contact allergy. Especially cosmetics, care products or fragrances are typical triggers of contact allergies.
Characteristic are redness, itching and small blisters or papules of the facial skin. Jewelry can also be a possible trigger. Earrings that repeatedly touch the cheeks, for example, are also a possible, although less common, cause of a contact allergy of the face.
The face is a special case in the treatment of contact eczema. Ointments containing cortisone must not be used here or only for a very short period of time and in very low dosages. For the treatment, preparations with substances such as tacrolimus, which somewhat dampen the excessive reaction of the immune system, are therefore rather used.
Contact allergy can also develop in the intimate area. If this should be the case, different triggers can be considered. An intolerance to textiles, panty liners or care products is very likely.
The triggering allergen must have direct contact with the intimate area to cause the eczema. However, a contact allergy must not be confused with infectious eczema. A frequent cause of eczema in this area is the scabies, also called scratch mite infestation.
It should also be considered as a possible cause of eczema. An examination by a dermatologist can provide information about the underlying cause and rule out an acute infection. Contact allergies to the eyes or eyelid are often caused by camomile envelopes.
This popular household remedy is often used as a decongestant, e.g. for tired eyes. However, chamomile is a very strong allergen, which can quickly lead to contact allergies, especially in the eyes. Therefore, chamomile envelopes should not be used to treat the eyes.
Make-up, eye creams and other care products are also possible triggers for contact eczema of the eyes. In case of suspicious symptoms, it is advisable to consult an ophthalmologist first so that a serious cause, such as an infection of the eyes, can be excluded. In the course of time, the dermatologist will then take over the treatment of the contact allergy.
Shampoos, colorants, oxidants and textiles can cause contact allergies of the scalp. These are often not visible – except when they spread to the forehead and the surrounding skin – but the tormenting itching is felt all the more. Contact allergies of the scalp are treated analogously to other contact allergies. In case of repeated eczema, one should pay attention to a gentle care of the scalp hair. The coloring of the hair and aggressive bleaching should be avoided.