Contact Dermatitis
Contact Dermatitis is also known as allergic contact eczematoid dermatitis. This is one of the most common disease entities affecting the skin of the pediatric age group.
The most common allergens responsible for contact dermatitis are:
- foods
- soaps and detergents
- drugs like penicillins, coal tar, salicylic acid, paraben esters in cosmetic creams
- plants
- clothing material
Some allergens may possess an irritant quality due to their physical or chemical characteristics. Because of this, they show immediate skin reactions rather than the delayed type.
Others may have substances which cause dermal changes due to the cutaneous sensitization rather than their irritating quality.
Clinically, the skin may show:
- erythema or redness
- edema
- formation of blisters
- pus if their is a superimposed infection
- if the reactions are not properly managed, their maybe crusting, scaling , itching and skin oozing which may result to skin lichenification and skin hyperpigmentation.
Contact dermatitis is being managed first by avoidance and elimination of the allergen. Through proper history, the physician and the patient can identify the allergen thus should avoid or eliminate such from his environment.
The patient is then advised to do proper skin hygiene. In the presence of a superimposed infection, antimicrobial agents play a great role. The addition of antipruritic agents and tranquilizers may make the patient more comfortable by relieving the discomfort of itching and scratching.