ALLERGIC & IRRITANT CONTACT REACTIONS

So what is the difference between allergic reactions (allergic contact dermatitis) and irritant reactions (irritant contact dermatitis)?

Irritant Contact Dermatitis (irritant reaction)

An irritant contact dermatitis (irritant reaction) presents as an acute skin condition. An irritant reaction may be caused by exposure to chemicals, solvents, acids, alkalis, adhesives, detergents and foliage including tree bark, leaves and sap. Severity may vary with symptoms including mild to severe erythema, crusting, swelling, vesicles (small blisters), pruritis (irritation), skin breakage and burning.

Bullae (large blisters) and necrosis (destruction of tissue) may occur in extreme cases. Irritant Contact Dermatitis tends to affect the hands, eyes, around the mouth and scalp. It presents no affiliation to skin colour, age or gender. Those who are suceptable to atopic conditions tend to be affected.

Severity depends onthe body's immune capability, potency of irritatant, duration of stimulus and humidity. The irritant penetrates the epidermis (destroying oils and fluids) triggering an immunological reaction. In most case we are able to offer treatment for allergic irritant reactions affecting the scalp. We may also be in a position to assist with irritant reactions elsewhere on the body using homeopathy. Please view the homeopathy page concerning skin or contact the helpline for more information.

Allergic Contact Dermatitis (allergic reactions)

Allergic Contact Dermatitis results from repeated exposure to allergens (substances harmless to most, which the body is allergic). Allergic contact dermatitis may develop at any age showing no affiliation to gender, ethnicity or in most cases skin type.

Allergic contact dermatitis tends to affect the hands, ankles and scalp. However, allergic reactions can appear at variant localised regions. Symptoms include pruritis, erythema, swelling, oozing, skin crusting and hyperpigmentation. Rashes are a common symptom. Blistering may present in severe cases forming a crust and become dry. Symptoms tend to become apparent within 12 hours of secondary exposure peaking after three – four days. Sensitivity may last a life time.

Allergic Irritant Contact Dermatitis has many causes. Here are some examples:

Shoe dye & rubber particularly in training shoes where sweat often causes exacerbation. Leather in shoes often contain dye. Metals such as nickel chromium which is commonly found on the back of watches and on cheap earrings or costume jewellery. Rubber gloves, poison ivy and other forms of folliage including certain types of trees (connifers etc), house cleaning materials and cosmetics which are used for beauty enhancement and cleansing. Bergamot oil found in some fragrances induces dermatitis when exposed to the sun. Ylang-ylang oil, Sandalwoods, hair dyes in particular and lavender oil may induce hyperpigmentation.

Contributory factors include pre existing skin conditions e.g. irritant contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, cuts grazes, substance type e.g. acid, alkaline or salt, concentration, exposure time and frequency. Sweating may dissolve the chemical, increasing the toxicity or may dilute reducing the effects. Dry air causes chapping which may increase susceptibility. 

The above information is not designed to aid self diagnosis. If you are suffering from what you believe could be an irritant or allergic reaction you should seek professional help as soon as you are able. Reactions in some cases can lead to blood poisoning (ephasema) which is life threatening.

If you would like further information on the above topics or would like to speak with a trichologist or homeopath please contact the helpline. Alternatively contact us by e-mail.

Helpline: 0207 404 0072

E-mail: advice@ht-healthcare.co.uk