What is contact allergy?
Contact allergy is a sensitivity reaction of the skin that some of us may develop on contact with substances usually harmless to others. These substances, or allergens as they are called, can enter the skin and cause the skin to break out with a rash.
What are the most common contact allergens?
The most common allergens are nickel (in costume jewellery), cosmetics, dyes, perfumes, metals, industrial chemicals, rubber products, preservatives and medicaments.
How is contact allergy diagnosed?
Following a detailed history and examination, the dermatologist will decide what tests are necessary. This may include a patch test and/or prick test for different materials, and the results of these tests together with the case history will help decide what treatment is needed.
What are the treatment options for contact allergy?
The most important step in treating contact allergy is to remove the culprit allergen. If the allergen cannot be removed, protective measures, such as gloves, can help to mitigate the situation. Most contact allergies can be treated with topical medication and proper skin care. For more serious allergies, oral medication such as oral steroids may be needed.
