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Most Common Cause Of Rash Is Contact Dermatitis
Q. What causes rashes?
A. The most common cause of a rash is contact dermatitis, an inflammation of the skin that comes from direct contact with irritants or allergens. A red, itchy rash from contact dermatitis isn't contagious, and usually goes away in two to four weeks.
The cause of contact dermatitis is direct contact with irritants or allergens. These include: detergents, soaps, makeup, deodorant, clothing, chemicals, rubber, metals, jewelry, fragrances, plants and medicinal lotions.
There are two types of contact dermatitis.
Irritant contact dermatitis is caused by a substance such as bleach that irritates the skin. Allergic contact dermatitis is caused by a reaction to an allergen, which is a substance that induces an allergy.
If the cause of a rash isn't obvious, you may have to get a "patch test." During one of these tests, small amounts of possible allergens are place on patches that are attached to your skin for two days. If you are allergic to a tested substance, a bump will appear on your skin.
You should seek medical attention for a rash when it interferes with your sleep or your normal daytime activities, you are in pain, you think you have an infection, or home care hasn't worked.
If you scratch a rash for a long time, you can get neurodermatitis, a condition in which skin becomes thick. Persistent scratching can also lead to infection, scars or color changes in your skin.
To treat contact dermatitis you should:
* Avoid the irritants.
* Use topical creams containing hydrocortisone, and oral corticosteroids and antihistamines to reduce the inflammation and itching.
* Stop scratching.
* Apply cool, wet compresses.
* Cover the affected area with bandages to protect the skin and prevent scratching.
* Bathe in cool water with baking soda or finely ground oatmeal.
* Wear smooth-textured cotton clothing to avoid irritation.
* Wash with mild soaps without dyes or perfumes, and rinse thoroughly.
* Use plastic gloves to avoid contact with household cleaners.
* When laundering, use a mild, unscented detergent and an extra rinse cycle.
The following are some common allergens:
Skin products. Perfumes, lotions, and cosmetics may cause allergic contact dermatitis. Others are sensitive to the preservative chemicals needed to prevent skin care products from spoiling.
Poison plants. These include poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac.
Rubber. Chemical additives in rubber can cause a reaction. Rubber gloves can cause dermatitis. Synthetic gloves can be used instead. Women with a rubber allergy can wear undergarments with spandex if they do not have rubber-backed fasteners or edges. Bras without rubber are also available.
Hair dyes. Some people are sensitive to paraphenylene-diamine (PPD). This ingredient is found in permanent hair dyes that are mixed with another chemical, such as peroxide, before application. Most people allergic to PPD can use temporary dyes.
Nickel. Nickel is found in gold jewelry and metal alloys. Many chrome-plated objects contain enough nickel to produce a reaction in sensitive people. Buckles, zippers, buttons and can cause dermatitis.
Chromates. Chromates contain chromium, and are commonly responsible for allergic contact dermatitis from cement, leather, some matches, paints, and anti-rust products. Chromates are also used to tan leather for shoes and can result in shoe dermatitis. Vegetable-tanned footwear can be used as an alternative.
If you would like to read more columns, you can order a copy of "How to be a Healthy Geezer" at www.Healthygeezer.Com.
Cicetti is a health care writer with more than 40 years of journalistic experience.
Originally Published: November 3, 2012 at 8:00 AM CDT
What Causes Rashes?
"The Healthy Geezer" answers questions about health and aging in his weekly column.
Question: What causes rashes?
Answer: The most common cause of a rash is contact dermatitis, an inflammation of the skin that comes from direct contact with irritants or allergens. A red, itchy rash from contact dermatitis isn't contagious, and usually goes away in two to four weeks.
You may likeThe cause of contact dermatitis is direct contact with irritants or allergens. These include: detergents, soaps, makeup, deodorant, clothing, chemicals, rubber, metals, jewelry, fragrances, plants and medicinal lotions.
There are two types of contact dermatitis.
Irritant contact dermatitis is caused by a substance such as bleach that irritates the skin. Allergic contact dermatitis is caused by a reaction to an allergen, which is a substance that induces an allergy.
If the cause of a rash isn't obvious, you may have to get a "patch test." During one of these tests, small amounts of possible allergens are place on patches that are attached to your skin for two days. If you are allergic to a tested substance, a bump will appear on your skin.
You should seek medical attention for a rash when it interferes with your sleep or your normal daytime activities, you are in pain, you think you have an infection, or home care hasn't worked.
If you scratch a rash for a long time, you can get neurodermatitis, a condition in which skin becomes thick. Persistent scratching can also lead to infection, scars or color changes in your skin.
To treat contact dermatitis you should:
The following are some common allergens:
If you would like to read more columns, you can order a copy of "How to be a Healthy Geezer" at www.Healthygeezer.Com.
All rights reserved © 2012 by Fred Cicetti
15 Solutions For Rashes
Rashes sting and burn and come and go. And their causes can leave you scratching your head—not to mention the rest of your body. Everyday materials that our skin comes in contact with are the most common cause of rashes—which is why dermatologists refer to the appearance of rashes as contact dermatitis. But if your rash is caused by a particular substance, then the phrase is "allergic contact dermatitis" and the triggers are called "allergens."
According to Larry Millikan, MD, these are the 5 most common rash-producing allergens:
These are just the most common allergens. (Here's the 9 weirdest things that people are allergic to.) Almost anything can cause a rash, though, including food and medications, which is why figuring out what caused your rash may require you and your doctor to become detectives. "The rash is sending a message that your body is not happy about something," says Dee Anna Glaser, MD. The key is to go to your dermatologist appointment armed with a complete list of substances you've come in contact with that could have caused the rash. Once the doctor determines the cause, he can help you get rid of the rash. In the meantime, here are some common causes and cures for what itches you.
Nickel RashNickel is a metal that is often mixed with other metals to make rings, necklaces, and bracelets. Costume jewelry is by far the most common cause of nickel reactions. The good news is that the nickel allergy is easy to diagnose because the rash springs up wherever nickel touches your skin. For example, you may get a rash on your ears if you wear earrings with nickel in them. However, because so many everyday things contain nickel—such as coins, kitchen utensils, paper clips, pens, and keys—you can be exposed to nickel dozens of times a day. Here's what to do.
Go For GoldBefore the next gift-giving event, drop hints to your loved one to spring for a pure gold necklace or bracelet to replace the costume jewelry that's giving you problems. "I've never heard of anyone who's allergic to pure gold, that's for sure," says Millikan. Also, trade in nickel-containing jewelry for pieces made from nickel-free stainless steel, titanium, or surgical-grade stainless steel. If you suspect your watchband is giving you problems, replace it with one made of leather, cloth, or plastic.
Cream ItTry applying an over-the-counter 1% hydrocortisone cream, says Jerome Z. Litt, MD. Prescription brands, such as Cortaid, and generic brands should be identical, according to the FDA. But be sure that you know what is causing your rash before using hydrocortisone cream on it, Litt cautions. If the rash is fungal, such as athlete's foot or ringworm, or a yeast infection, then hydrocortisone cream will make the rash much worse.
Soothe Your SkinA nickel rash can itch like crazy. You might find that a lotion such as calamine can alleviate it. Or mix up a solution of 1 part white vinegar to 16 parts water. Soak a clean soft cloth in the mixture and apply the compress to your rash.
Chromate RashThis is the most common cause of contact dermatitis in the workplace, says Millikan. This chemical is found in cement, paints, and antirust products. "People with certain blue-collar jobs are exposed to chromate all the time, as are people doing certain home-repair jobs on the weekends," he says.
Wear GlovesIf you can't avoid the chemical, at least avoid getting it on your hands. Wear a sturdy pair of waterproof work gloves to keep the chromate off your skin.
Wash UpMake sure to wash your hands often so that any chromate that gets on your skin is not there very long. Because this much washing may dry out your skin, follow with a moisturizing cream or lotion.
Use LightersSome matches contain chromates, so touching unlit matches can contaminate your fingers. Even placing a book of matches in your pants pocket will contaminate it. When you stick your hands in your pockets, bingo! A rash. Rely on a lighter instead.
Additive RashExposure to preservative and fragrance ingredients used in hand creams, lotions, and other skin-care products causes rashes in many people, says Millikan. Common culprits include:
Here's what to do:
Pay Attention:"Make mental notes of products you were using at the time that the rashes started and report them to your dermatologist," says Millikan. "That will help your doctor get to the bottom of what's causing them more quickly."
MORE: 21 Crazy Things Your Dermatologist Has Seen
Read LabelsOnce you realize that an additive causes you problems, scrutinize labels of other products and avoid that additive.
Rubber RashChemical additives in rubber products, especially latex gloves, can often cause allergic reactions and rashes, including itching, burning, and even welts. They're common among people who wear tightly fitting rubber gloves, such as medical workers. Here are some approaches to try.
Try A Different GloveSometimes powder-free rubber gloves may possibly be less allergenic; vinyl (or other synthetic) gloves can be used as a substitute.
Head To Victoria's SecretUndergarments with rubber stretch waistbands are common triggers of rubber rashes. Try lingerie made with spandex instead, and look for items without rubber-backed fasteners or edges.
Check Your ShoesMany cases of allergic contact dermatitis are caused by ingredients used to make shoes, such as leather, certain dyes, adhesives, and, of course, rubber. But because so many parts of your shoe could be causing that foot rash, see your dermatologist for a patch test to determine what exactly you are allergic to before you purchase new shoes. And because hypoallergenic shoes are hard to find and tend to be rather costly, ask your dermatologist for a list of stores or websites that sell these shoes so that you can shop around easily.
Poison Plant Rashes"If you have a rash that's a perfectly straight line, it's an outside job," says Jacob Teitelbaum, MD. "The body doesn't work in straight lines. You came into contact with a toxin, such as poison ivy."
Rash ReliefAlthough millions of things can cause rashes, the treatments are pretty much the same. Here's what our experts suggest.
Consider antihistamines. They aren't just for hay fever anymore. Antihistamines will relieve some of your skin irritation, and if you take one of the older forms, it may even help you sleep.
Soothe your skin. Try a cloth compress soaked in water or Domeboro powder, an over-the-counter astringent that you mix with water, to relieve the itch and inflammation. You can also soak in a bath with a special oatmeal bathing product designed to soothe inflamed skin.
Just avoid it. The best thing you can do is to minimize contact with—or better yet, avoid—the allergens and irritants that will trigger an outbreak. If you do get an irritant on you or your clothing, wash it off as soon as possible with soap and warm water.
MORE: 6 DIY Remedies For Irritated Skin
Rash Cures From The KitchenTo soothe a burning, itching rash, mix together equal parts honey, olive oil, and beeswax. Several studies found this combo heals rashes more quickly than cortisone alone. You can also speed healing from the inside out by eating more omega-3 fatty acid–rich fish, walnuts, and flaxseed.
MORE: 18 Bizarre Home Remedies That Actually Work
When To Call A DoctorCall a doctor if you have a rash that:
Bring all of your medications to the office, even over-the-counter items such as eyedrops, vitamins, supplements, and products such as ibuprofen, says Glaser.
Panel of AdvisorsDee Anna Glaser, MD, is a professor in the department of dermatology at St. Louis University School of Medicine.
Jerome Z. Litt, MD, is a dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland and author of Your Skin: From Acne to Zits and Curious, Odd, Rare And Abnormal Reactions to Medications.
Larry Millikan, MD, is a professor emeritus in the department of dermatology at Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans.
Jacob Teitelbaum, MD, is a board-certified internist and medical director of the Fibromyalgia and Fatigue Centers, with locations throughout the country.
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