Duration
Contact dermatitis usually occurs one to three days after contact with the allergen and lasts for several days. With cortisone therapy it can usually be treated quite quickly and without consequences. Only rarely does a chronic form develop, which is then treated permanently with special skin care and phototherapy.
Is contact dermatitis contagious?
Contact dermatitis is not contagious as it is an allergic reaction. It is therefore a reaction of the own body to an allergen, which can be completely harmless for other people. The own body reacts to the allergen again with each contact. Other people who do not have this allergy will not get it either, just because they have contact with a person affected.
Causes of contact dermatitis
Contact dermatitis can be triggered by various allergens. It is an allergy of the delayed type. It is caused by contact allergens, such as low molecular weight molecules or metal ions.
These then react with certain proteins in the skin and thus become the actual allergen. This reaction only occurs after the second contact with the allergen.Substances that frequently trigger contact allergies include nickel, cobalt and chromium (in earrings, piercings, jewelry), wool wax (in skin care products), paraphenylenediamine (in hair dyes), potassium dichromate (in leather), parabens (in cosmetics, toiletries, preservatives, perfume, clothing, zippers, food) and many others. Various contact allergens may also be present in eyeglasses. Metal eyeglasses may contain nickel, for example, and the rubberized temples of children’s eyeglasses may contain various plasticizers and adhesives, such as epoxy resin. In this case, plastic glasses should be avoided or the children’s temples should be dispensed with.
Contact dermatitis after localization
Contact dermatitis on the hands can often be caused by cleaning agents. In this case, the entire hands are usually affected. If it is only a local contact dermatitis, the cause can be a ring, bracelet or watch, for example.
Professional contact is also possible. Here, for example, gloves can be put on for protection to avoid contact. The triggers on the fingers are similar to those on the hands.
Here, for example, rings with nickel-containing components or cosmetics such as creams or nail polish or soaps can be the cause. Here too, gloves can sometimes help or the allergen must be avoided. Contact dermatitis on the face can also have various causes.
Here, cosmetics such as face creams, masks or cleansing products can trigger the allergy. But also spectacle frames, earrings or piercings are possible as triggers. Another group that leads to contact eczema in the face are fragrances.
Here a fast therapy and consequent avoidance of allergens is especially important because of the disfiguring effect of a rash on the face and the resulting psychological consequences, such as depression or feelings of inferiority. A contact allergy of the eye or eyelids can result from an allergic reaction to components of glasses, contact lenses, piercings or similar. Eye care creams or make-up products such as eye shadow, kohl or mascara are also possible.
In these cases, a change to low-allergen products is recommended. Contact dermatitis in the vaginal area can be caused by hygiene products such as inserts or creams. Products for sexual intercourse are also conceivable.
Condoms (latex) as well as lubricants or sex toys can be the cause. Here it is possible to switch to allergen-free products. Other diseases such as fungal infections should also be clarified as a further diagnosis.
On the feet a contact allergy can be caused by components of shoes or insoles. But special foot care products such as creams or foot deodorant can also be a cause. Other diseases such as athlete’s foot or burns or blisters should also be clarified. Treatment can be difficult here due to friction in the shoe or too little air.