The Long-Term Effects of Chronic Contact Dermatitis

The skin is the largest organ in the body, and it can be sensitive to what it comes in contact with. As a result, some people may develop contact dermatitis in Vienna, VA. This condition may cause irritation and discomfort when you come into contact with certain substances. Luckily, Dr. Linda Nims, Dr. Rebecca Barry, and Dr. Kelley Redbord at Dermatology & Dermatologic Surgery Group of Northern Virginia can help you find relief before it worsens.

What Is Contact Dermatitis?

 This condition can come in two forms. Allergic contact dermatitis happens when your body is reacting to an allergen. Common skin allergens may include cosmetic products, food preservatives, clothing, or jewelry materials like nickel. The other type is irritant contact dermatitis, which often results in a painful rash. The rash usually comes on quickly after having contact with something irritating. For some people, it may be your cleansing products like body soaps or detergents you wash your clothes in.

What Are the Long-term Effects of This Condition?

The initial effect of contact dermatitis in Vienna, VA, is a rash that can happen anywhere on the body. It's often itchy, reddish and painful. It can last as little as a few days or up to several weeks after contact.

Because of the irritation to the skin, prolonged inflammation and irritation from rashes may cause the skin to become discolored. Some people may develop a condition called lichenification, in which the skin becomes thickened and leathery.

Prolonged skin damage from rashes and inflammation can also make it more susceptible to viral or fungal infections like staph infections. If your dermatitis is linked to allergies, it may cause you to develop even more allergies over time. If the condition occurs near your eyes, be careful, as it may lead to conjunctivitis.

How Can a Doctor Help?

When you consult with Dr. Nims, Dr. Barry, and Dr. Redbord about your condition, they will help you find the trigger. They can also prescribe immunosuppressive agents to help calm your immune system and prevent allergic reactions. Antihistamines can help relieve itching, and topical steroids may help ease inflammation. During the diagnostic process, they may need to use patch testing to see if they can find specific allergens that are causing the flare-ups.

You don't want to constantly deal with itchy or inflamed skin that can cause rashes for days or weeks. If you live with Dermatitis in Vienna, VA, the caring team at Dermatology & Dermatologic Surgery Group of Northern Virginia can help. Call 703-938-5700 to make an appointment with Dr. Nims, Dr. Barry, and Dr. Redbord.