Contact Dermatitis

     Contact dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin that is a result of direct contact with a substance that irritated the skin.  These substances can include cosmetics, jewelry, soap, or plants.  This red and itchy rash is not contagious, nor is it life-threatening, but it can be very uncomfortable.  Symptoms of contact dermatitis include itching which may be severe, dry, red patches which may look like a burn, red rash or bumps, blisters or draining fluid, pain or tenderness, and a rash that is limited only to the exposed area.  There are two types of contact dermatitis.  The first type is irritant contact dermatitis, which is more common and results from repeated contact with a irritant.  It usually results in red, dry, itchy patches on the fingers, hands, and face.  The second type is called allergic contact dermatitis.  This form of dermatitis is caused by allergens.  This form results in a red rash, bumps, and sometimes blisters in severe cases.  Some common allergens include jewelry, perfume, cosmetics, hair dyes, weeds such as poison ivy, rubber, and metals like nickel.  If the condition is prolonged due to itching and scratching, it can result in neurodermatitis, which is a condition in which an area of the skin becomes thick and leathery due to being scratched frequently.  These patches can also become red, raw, or darker than the other areas of skin.  Consistent scratching may also lead to bacterial skin infections or scars.  The treatment of contact dermatitis may consist of three different options.  The first is to avoid the irritant.  If you can figure out the cause, then you can avoid the cause of the contact dermatitis and it will typically clear up within two to four weeks.  Using topical self care measures such as creams with hydrocortisone for itching and moisturizing creams can help.  The third option may include oral corticosteroids and antihistamines which may help reduce the inflammation as well as help relieve some of the itching. 

Pityriasis Rosea (Christmas Tree Rash)

     Pityriasis rosea is a skin condition that is found usually in children and young adults.  It typically begins with a large spot on the chest, abdomen, or back, and then spreads.  It typically sweeps out from the middle of the body and can resemble pine tree branches.  It is most common in the spring and fall and goes away within six to eight weeks.  In the initial phase, pityriasis rosea begins with a large and slightly raised and scaly patch called the herald patch.  As it progresses, it has smaller fine and scaly spots which appear across the back, chest, or abdomen a few days or weeks after the initial herald patch.  The rash also may be itchy.  The color of the rash is usually scaly and pink, but for people with darker skin tones, it may appear gray, dark brown, or even black.  Many people who develop this rash had other symptoms prior to the onset that include sore throat, stuffy nose, congestion, or cough.  Doctors are unsure of the exact cause of pityriasis rosea, but think that it may be a viral infection, and it is not believed to be contagious.  Usually this rash will go away in four to eight weeks.  The treatment usually will focus on controlling the itching.  In order to control itching, doctors may prescribe steroid creams or ointments, oral antihistamines, or light therapy.  Relieving the symptoms may also include some home remedies, such as bathing or showering in lukewarm water, taking an oatmeal bath, using zinc oxide cream or calamine lotion, and avoiding physical activity that involves sweating to avoid making the itch worse. 

Drug Allergies and Rash

     Drug allergies may occur within a few days or as much as three weeks after a drug treatment begins.  If you are allergic to a drug, you may experience itching, a swollen, red, itchy rash, raised red, itchy patches on the skin like hives, swelling or welts deep in the skin, particularly common near the eyes and lips, and mild or moderate wheezing.  Anaphylaxis is a dangerous reaction to a drug.  This reaction usually occurs minutes after being exposed to the drug but may occur hours after.  Some of these symptoms can include difficulty breathing, hives that are over several parts of the body, wheezing, swelling in the face, rapid or weak pulse, dizziness, fainting, or lightheadedness, rapid drop in blood pressure, heart palpitations, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain or cramps.  If you suspect that the rash you have is a result of a new drug treatment and may be a drug allergy, you need to contact your doctor immediately.

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