Contact Dermatitis in Silver Spring, Maryland

Contact dermatitis can cause an itchy, red or irritated rash after the skin comes into contact with a triggering substance. Our team evaluates suspected allergic contact dermatitis and helps patients identify avoidable triggers when appropriate.

What Is Contact Dermatitis?

Contact dermatitis is inflammation of the skin caused by direct contact with a substance. There are two main types: irritant contact dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis.

Common symptoms:

  • Redness
  • Itching
  • Dry or cracked skin
  • Scaling
  • Bumps or blisters
  • Burning or tenderness
  • Rash limited to areas of contact or spreading beyond them

Irritant vs. Allergic Contact Dermatitis

Irritant contact dermatitis results from direct damage or irritation to the skin barrier. Allergic contact dermatitis occurs when the immune system reacts to a substance after skin contact.

Common Allergic Contact Triggers

  • Nickel and other metals
  • Fragrances
  • Preservatives
  • Hair dyes
  • Cosmetics and skin-care ingredients
  • Rubber chemicals
  • Topical medications
  • Workplace materials

What Is Patch Testing?

Patch testing evaluates delayed allergic reactions to substances that contact the skin. Small amounts of potential allergens are applied to the back under patches and checked over several days. Patch testing is different from skin prick testing, which is used for immediate-type allergies.

How Is Contact Dermatitis Diagnosed & Treated?

Diagnosed:

Evaluation includes the appearance and location of the rash, timing, skin-care products, occupational exposures, hobbies, jewelry, medications, and previous treatment. Patch testing may be recommended when allergic contact dermatitis is suspected.

Treated:

The most important long-term strategy for allergic contact dermatitis is identifying and avoiding the responsible allergen when possible. Treatment may also include skin-care changes and topical medications when prescribed.

When Should You See an Allergist?

Consider evaluation when a rash keeps returning, follows exposure to certain products or materials, affects the hands or face repeatedly, or does not improve despite changing routine skin care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about contact dermatitis and treatments we offer at our office in Silver Spring.

Still have a question?

Call our office and our team will be happy to answer any questions you may have about treatments, scheduling, or anything else.

  • What is allergic contact dermatitis?

    It is a delayed immune reaction that develops after the skin contacts a substance to which the person is allergic.

  • What is the difference between patch testing and skin prick testing?

    Patch testing looks for delayed contact allergies. Skin prick testing is used for immediate-type allergies such as many environmental or food allergies.

  • How long does patch testing take?

    Patch testing requires the patches to remain in place for a period of time and usually involves more than one reading over several days.

  • Can nickel cause contact dermatitis?

    Yes. Nickel is a common cause of allergic contact dermatitis.

  • Can cosmetics cause contact dermatitis?

    Yes. Fragrances, preservatives and other ingredients in cosmetics or personal-care products can trigger allergic contact dermatitis in sensitized patients.

  • Do you treat children with contact dermatitis?

    Our team evaluates allergic skin conditions in children and adults; whether patch testing is appropriate depends on the individual patient.

Get Treatment for Contact Dermatitis

If these symptoms or concerns are affecting you or your child, our team can help determine whether allergy or immunology evaluation is appropriate and create an individualized care plan.

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