Allergic Contact Dermatitis

Allergic Contact DermatitisAllergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is a rash caused by an immune reaction to various substances that touch the skin.Allergic contact dermatitis is common, occurring in up to 1 in 5 people.Although anyone can be affected at any age, people with eczema since childhood may be more likely to develop ACD. Signs and SymptomsAfter becoming allergic to a substance, further contact causes itchy, red, and flaky rashes, sometimes with blisters or oozing.Rashes are delayed, usually taking hours or days to appear and weeks to heal.They are most intense at areas of direct skin contact, but may spread.The shape of the rash might hint at its cause, such as streaks from brushing against leaves, or a round patch next to jean snaps.Indirect exposures (eg, substances transferred from one body part to another or carried in the air) can also be involved, causing more widespread reactions.Allergic contact dermatitis can be mildly annoying or severely affect daily life and even the ability to work.Allergic contact dermatitis is complicated by common misconceptions.New and old products can be responsible, and allergy can develop after using the same product for years.Also, ingredients may be changed by manufacturers over time.The responsible product, contacted as little as once weekly, can cause a constant rash.Additionally, allergy can develop to expensive and natural/ organic products.Finally, switching products often does not clear the rash, because similar ingredients may be contained in multiple products.