Contact allergies – a few tips for treatment and prevention
Contact allergies, or allergic contact dermatitis, are skin reactions that occur as a result of skin contact with an allergen. They are reactions to substances that we commonly encounter in the home, at work or during leisure activities.
Causes and triggers:
Allergenic substances:
In industry – metal materials (nickel, chromium, cobalt), preservatives, perfumes, dyes, chemicals
In the home – certain medicines, herbs (propolis, tea tree oil), cleaning and washing products
In the garden – soil, dust, fertilisers, sprays
In healthcare - Frequent hand washing and use of disinfectants or constant wearing of face masks and protective gloves
Risk factors:
Genetic predisposition, weakened skin barrier (inappropriate care, dust, chemicals, irritants).
Where can contact allergies occur?
Symptoms appear at the site of contact with the allergen, but can spread to other parts of the body The palms, backs and fingers of the hands are commonly affected. In dusty and polluted environments, it appears on exposed parts of the body, often on the neck, forehead and cheeks. In hot and humid environments, it can appear virtually anywhere on the body – on the back, chest, elbows and behind the knees.
What are the symptoms of contact allergy
The first symptom is locally reddened and itchy skin. It can be extremely dry and flaky. Callus-like patches may form, which crack and bleed. Fluid-filled blisters may appear under the skin, which ‘bloom’ on the surface of the skin and burst. Acne-like rashes may appear.
Diagnosis:
Skin tests (epicutaneous tests): These are used to identify the allergen that triggers the reaction.
Allergic contact dermatitis – a few tips for treatment and prevention
Treatment options:
Soothing the skin: Baths, hypermanganese compresses, black tea infusions, oatmeal.
Soothing and moisturising creams: Oil-based creams (from borage, avocado), moisturising creams with glycerine.
Protective creams: Dermaguard.
Prescription medications: Topical corticosteroids, antibiotics.
Prevention:
Avoid allergens: Find out what you are allergic to and avoid these substances.
Skin protection: Wear protective gloves and clothing when in contact with irritants.
Proper skin care: Thorough moisturising, use of non-irritating soaps, care for the skin barrier, for example with Dermaguard cream.
Home treatment of contact allergy symptoms
Milder forms can be treated with over-the-counter medications.
The skin must first be soothed and the itching relieved. A bath or compress with a mild solution of hypermanganese can help. Black tea or oatmeal extracts are also soothing. Herbs such as agrimony and yarrow are helpful, but it is important to check that they do not irritate the skin.
For weeping symptoms after bathing, we recommend using oils and oil-based creams rather than powders. Zinc oil, sulphur ointment or ointment containing ichthamol are suitable. Over-the-counter hydrocortisone ointment can also be used.
For dry, flaky and cracked patches, it is important to thoroughly moisturise the skin after bathing. We use oil-based moisturising creams that retain water, e.g. with borage oil, avocado oil or glycerine.
Persistent and widespread patches must be seen by a dermatologist, who will recommend a special treatment.
Dermaguard barrier cream (emulsion) protects hypersensitive skin from irritation, moisturises and gives it time to regenerate.
When treating allergic contact dermatitis, dermatologists recommend using barrier creams such as Dermaguard to gradually restore the skin and its natural barrier. Dermaguard cream forms an invisible protective shield on the skin against most allergens found in the environment. Because the allergen cannot penetrate the skin, it remains unirritated. The protection lasts for around 4-6 hours. The cream also effectively moisturises the skin without leaving it feeling greasy and strengthens the skin barrier. It can be used on any part of the body except the mucous membranes. The cream contains dimethicone, which gradually evaporates from the skin due to the acidity of sweat. The cream is unscented.
