Dermatitis is the inflammation of the skin when you come into contact with a particular substance.Contact dermatitis as it is known is a kind of eczema that causes the skin to go red and itchy and can make the skin have a burning or stinging sensation on the body but is more commonly found on the hand  this in turn leads to a dry blistering effect.

There are a couple of types of dermatitis: Irritant and Allergic.

The most common is irritant this is one I have had to deal with a lot of my life . It’s caused by contact with acids, alkaline materials such as soaps and detergents  fabric softeners, solvents, or other chemicals. The reaction usually looks like a burn..

Allergic contact dermatitis 

Allergic contact dermatitis is caused by exposure to a substance or material to which you have become extra sensitive or allergic.

Common allergens include:

• Cement
• Hair dyes
• Long-term exposure to wet diapers
• Pesticides or weed killers
• Rubber gloves
• Shampoos
• Fragrances in perfume, cosmetics, soaps and moisturisers

The symptoms do not occur instantly just regular use will trigger it this is what I have found as I worked in the construction  industry .

Itching of the skin in exposed areas is a common symptom. In the case of an allergic dermatitis, itching can be severe. Dermatitis caused by an irritant may also cause burning or pain

. I also found that if a got stressed this would bring on a rash that itches and shows as a redness but may form anywhere on my body this would often cause great embarrassment if I wanted to go out as the itching was that bad.

In most cases, the affected skin will be the area of skin that had contact with the allergen. For example, if you are allergic to an eye shadow or blusher, your eyelids or cheeks may be affected. However, in some cases other areas of skin may also be affected

The first time you come into contact with a type of allergen, your body becomes sensitised to it. It’s only when you touch that substance again, that your skin reacts with an itchy red rash.

Common allergens that can cause allergic contact dermatitis include:

• metals, such as nickel or cobalt in jewellery
• cosmetics, such as fragrances, hair dye and nail varnish
• preservatives added to certain medicines (including medicated creams)
• rubber, including latex, a type of naturally occurring rubber
• textiles, particularly the dyes and resins that are contained in them
• strong adhesives (glue), such as epoxy resin adhesives
• some plants, such as chrysanthemums, daffodils, tulips and primula

I have found that there are creams and ointments out there to help ease the discomfort and I am currently using BETNOVATE- OINTMENT

This is prescribed by my GP but there is alternatives on the market that can be brought over the counter. I have found that this ointment also helps with my ECZEMA.as well.

E45 cream works well for cleaning if soaps irritant and I found a soap called SIMPLE SOAP is very effective in cleaning as it has no perfume or chemicals in it.

• The best way to test for a reaction to allergens is by patch testing. During a patch test, tiny amounts of known allergens are applied to your skin. The substances are attached to your back using a special kind of non-allergic tape. Sometimes, they may be attached to the upper arms.

After two days, the patches are removed and your skin assessed to check if there has been any reaction. Your skin will usually also be examined after four to six days as most allergic contact dermatitis reactions will take this long to develop.

IRRITANT CONTACT DERMATITIS

Your symptoms will usually appear within 48 hours of coming into contact with the irritant. Strong irritants may cause your skin to react immediately.

More common irritants, such as soap and detergents, may need frequent and repeated contact before they cause problems. Only the area of skin that has been in direct contact with the irritant will be affected.

The work place is where you are more at risk to dermatitis. I  worked with building materials such as cement and powders and used a lot of water which all resulted in me having dermatitis. This type of dermatitis is more common in certain occupations, including:

Cleaners and Housekeepers

• Food preparers, Cooks and  Caterers

• Hairdressers /Beauticians

dermatitis on hands

dermatitis on hands

• Farm and Fisheries Workers

• Engineers and Construction workers

• Healthcare Professionals (including Dentists and Vets)

• Printers and Painters

In the main irritant dermatitis is made worse by a number of factors including Heat and even cold conditions even dry air as in an area where there is low Humidity. So where you are working or living can be a big part of the problem .

Try to keep your hands moisturised at all times if at all possible.