Allergic Dermatitis
Allergic Dermatitis is caused by contact with certain materials to which the individual has developed an allergy. We do not know why this happens, and it can happen out of the blue – you may have been tolerant to a material all your life, and then for no apparent reason suddenly develop an allergy to it.
Common substances causing allergies are nickel (which is found in jewellery, zips, jean studs, buckles, etc.), rubber (for example in rubber gloves or shoes), and preservatives such as those used in cosmetics, skin preparations, etc.
You will usually be able to work out what is causing the skin reaction by where it occurs, and you will then be able to prevent any recurrence by avoiding that material in future.
Irritant Contact Dermatitis
Irritant Contact Dermatitis is caused by contact with an irritant substance which damages the skin. The most common irritants are detergents and cleaning products, perfumes, cosmetics, shampoos and hair dyes, cement and solvents.
Irritant dermatitis most commonly affects the hands, but may affect other areas which come into contact with the substance, such as the face in the case of a cosmetic or hair product.
The reaction is usually immediate, so it is quite easy to work out the cause. The substance should then be avoided, or you should use protective gloves when handling it in future.
Irritant dermatitis is often linked with occupations which involve handling potentially irritant substances, for example hairdressers working with shampoos and dyes, builders handling cement, and cleaners or housewives using detergents and other cleansing products.
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