Contact allergy - symptoms and treatment
Dr. Anja Loose-Roland
Updated on 02. November 2023
The skin itches and is reddened - these could be indications of a contact allergy. Medically called allergic contact dermatitis or allergic contact eczema, the skin changes occur when the skin comes into contact with a certain substance. This phenomenon not only affects humans, but can also occur in animals such as dogs. Identification of the triggers and appropriate treatment are crucial to ensure the well-being of the affected person.
Contact allergy Brief overview:
- Causes: Overreaction of the immune system
- Symptoms: Redness, itching, burning sensation
- Prevention: Avoid triggers
- Treatment: Allergy immunotherapy, cream
What are the symptoms of contact allergy on the skin?
Contact dermatitis always manifests itself through a skin change that often only appears after 48 hours after contact. Due to various causes, the symptoms of a contact allergy can be manifold. Those affected often show:
- Redness and swelling of the skin
- Weeping blisters
- Formation of wheals
- Crusting or scaling
- Itching
- Burning
How strong is the itching with a contact allergy?
Contact allergy is always accompanied by [itching](). The intensity can depend on various factors, including the person's sensitivity to the allergen, the severity of the allergic reaction and the area of the body affected. Often the itching is severe and can be very distressing. There is a strong desire to scratch in order to get short-term relief. This in turn leads to skin irritation, renewed itching and further complications such as infections. Alternatively, the itchy areas can be massaged with light pressure. This touch avoids aggravation of the skin condition.
In which parts of the body do contact allergies occur?
Contact allergies can occur in different parts of the body depending on which allergen the skin comes into contact with. Contact eczema often occurs in the following places:
- Face
- Hands
- Arms and legs
- Neck and décolleté
- genital area:
- Feet
What is the cause of a contact allergy?
The cause of a contact allergy is an overreaction of the immune system to a substance. When the skin comes into contact with this substance, the T-cells in the body react. It is suspected that this overreaction of the body is genetically determined.
How does a contact allergy develop?
A contact allergy does not occur immediately on contact. The development process involves several steps. During the first exposure to the allergenic substance, the immune system recognises it as foreign and forms specific defence mechanisms, so-called antibodies. No skin changes are yet observed at this contact. Upon renewed exposure, the antibodies already formed bind to special cells of the skin, so-called mast cells. This causes the release of substances that promote inflammation, such as histamine. These cause a local inflammatory reaction in the skin, which leads to the typical symptoms of a contact allergy. Due to this multiple contact, contact eczema usually only develops in adulthood.
What are the triggers for a contact allergy?
A contact allergy can be triggered by a variety of substances. Below are some common allergens that can cause contact allergies:
- Metals: nickel, chromium, cobalt and other metals found in jewellery, belt buckles, watches, metal fasteners or metal tools.
- Cosmetics: Ingredients in skin care products, such as preservatives (e.g. parabens), fragrances, dyes or personal care products such as shampoos, soaps or deodorants.
- Medicines: Certain externally applied medicines, such as antibiotics.
- Fragrances: Fragrances in cosmetics or cleaning products, essential oils or certain plant extracts.
- Latex: Latex allergy due to contact with latex gloves, latex products or medical dressings.
- Chemicals: Various chemicals in household products, cleaning products, paints,
- solvents, pesticides or industrial substances.
- Plants: Certain types of plants can cause allergic reactions, such as ivy.
- Food: In some cases, certain foods can cause allergic reactions when they come into contact with the skin.
How does the doctor test for a contact allergy?
he doctor can use various methods to determine the cause of a contact allergy. The basis is a thorough anamnesis, in which the medical history is taken. This involves researching possible triggers and contacts with certain substances. This can also involve substances that were previously tolerated without any problems. Various methods are available for the diagnosis:
- Patch test: The patch test is a frequently used method for diagnosing contact allergies. Small amounts of diluted allergen solutions are applied to the skin and covered with special patches. After 48 hours, the test is evaluated to see if any skin changes have occurred.
- Epicutaneous test: Similar to the patch test, the epicutaneous test involves applying allergen solutions to the skin. However, unlike the patch test, special test chambers are used to test a larger number of substances at the same time.
- Blood tests: Blood tests such as the IgE blood test are used to measure the presence of specific antibodies (IgE antibodies) to certain allergens in the blood. However, these tests are less sensitive than the skin tests and are usually used in conjunction with other diagnostic methods.
How is a contact allergy treated?
The most important treatment step is to avoid the trigger for the contact allergy. Once the allergenic substance has been identified, all products containing that substance should be avoided. The treatment itself is aimed at the symptoms and supporting the healing process.
- Avoidance of allergens: The most important measure is to avoid contact with the triggering allergen. This may mean avoiding the substance altogether. Using protective gloves or appropriate clothing can also prevent contact.
- External treatment: Use of topical creams, lotions or ointments with anti-inflammatory agents.
- Systemic treatment: In case of severe symptoms, taking anti-inflammatory agents may soothe the skin.
- Avoidance of irritants: The skin must not be stressed by other irritants. Fragrances or alcohol as preservatives. Can delay healing.
- Allergy immunotherapy: In some cases, allergy immunotherapy (hyposensitisation) may be considered. The aim of this method is to desensitise the body's immune system to the allergic substance. This therapy is usually used in severe or chronic cases and requires monitoring by an allergist.
What medicines help with a contact allergy?
In the treatment of a contact allergy, various medications can be used to alleviate the symptoms. The specific treatment is very individual depending on the severity of the disease and personal suffering. Important medications for contact allergy are:
- Antihistamines: Antihistamines are often used to reduce the itching, redness and swelling in contact allergies. They block the action of histamine, which is released during an allergic reaction. Antihistamines may be available as tablets, capsules or topical creams.
- Corticosteroids: Corticosteroids in the form of ointments, creams or lotions are used to reduce inflammation, redness and itching in contact allergies. They have an anti-inflammatory effect and can help relieve symptoms quickly.
Anti-inflammatory medications: Sometimes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen or naproxen. They can be taken orally and help reduce inflammation and pain from contact allergies.
- Calcineurin inhibitors: These medications reduce the activity of the immune system in the skin. This suppresses inflammation and significantly reduces discomfort.
These medicines against contact allergy can lead to undesirable side effects. Therefore, they should only be taken after consulting a doctor. A doctor or dermatologist can prescribe the appropriate medication based on the severity of the symptoms, the affected area of the body and other individual factors.
What helps quickly with a contact allergy on the face?
A contact allergy on the face is one of the worst forms for those affected because the symptoms cannot be concealed by clothing. The cause is usually allergens in the cosmetic products, whether cleansing, care or make-up. The inflamed areas must not be covered with make-up so as not to delay the healing process. For cleansing, no soap should be used, but light facial tonics or home remedies containing tannins. For the subsequent care, mild creams for sensitive skin are used.
What can I do if I have a contact allergy to detergents?
A contact allergy to detergents often exists with products containing fragrances or perfume. The active washing substances, the so-called surfactants, are considered harmless for allergy sufferers. By using hypoallergenic detergents for sensitive skin, the irritation of the skin can decrease. Additional measures are:
- Proper dosing will reduce detergent residues.
- If the washing machine has an additional rinse programme, this can be used. This will remove any remaining detergent residue.
- The use of alternative detergents such as soap nuts or ivy can help. These natural products are added to the wash cycle in a small bag.
- When coming into direct contact with detergent, gloves help to avoid contact allergy on the hands.
What helps against the itching of a contact allergy?
In order to avoid further skin irritation, the treatment of itching is of particular importance. A proven remedy is [witch hazel]() in the form of extract or aqueous extract. The plant is also called witch hazel and contains anti-inflammatory and astringent properties. The active ingredients contract the skin and blood vessels. This relieves the itching and supports healing at the same time.
What home remedies help with a contact allergy?
If you have a contact allergy, some home remedies can help to relieve the symptoms. These include:
- Cooling compresses: Applying cold, damp compresses to the affected skin can temporarily relieve itching and inflammation. The cloth should not be too cold so as not to further irritate the skin.
- Oatmeal bath: Oatmeal contains substances that can have a soothing effect on the skin. For this, patients bathe in a warm bath with a cup of oatmeal for about 15 minutes. These are best hung or placed in a small bag in the water.
- Aloe vera: Applying aloe vera gel to the affected skin can have a soothing and anti-inflammatory effect. Only pure aloe vera gel should be used to avoid irritating substances.
- Natural oils: Some natural oils such as coconut oil, almond oil or jojoba oil can have a moisturising effect and soothe the skin. Gently massage the oil onto the affected stele.
- Chamomile tea: Chamomile tea has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. A strong brew of chamomile tea is used as a compress after it has cooled. A cooling effect can be achieved at the same time by storing it in the refrigerator for a short time.
These home remedies may not be suitable for every person or every type of contact allergy. Plants contain active ingredients that can also trigger allergies. If symptoms persist, worsen or spread, a doctor or dermatologist should be consulted.
Can my dog get a contact allergy?
Contact allergy can also occur in dogs. In this case, the dog develops an allergic reaction to a certain substance or substance with which it comes into contact. This reaction can be triggered by certain plants, chemicals, cleaning agents, materials or other substances in contact. Symptoms of a contact allergy in dogs may include skin rashes, redness, itching, swelling or hair loss in the affected areas. Examples of a contact allergy in dogs include a skin reaction to externally applied anti-tick medication or touch in ivy. A veterinarian can make an accurate diagnosis and initiate the proper treatment. In addition, healing can also be supported in dogs by home remedies.
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