Contact Dermatitis: Everything you need to know about this dermatological disorder.

The symptoms of contact eczema can vary from one person to another. However, the progression always begins with a erythema, that is, a redness due to the dilation of blood vessels, possibly followed by an edema, which is a significant swelling of the skin. These initial symptoms are accompanied by a significant itching. Then appear the vesicles which undergo a rupture, leading to the crusts. The various lesions caused by contact eczema first form at the point of contact with the allergen and can then spread throughout the body. Contact eczemas are often classified into two categories, differentiated by the extent of the flare-up.

• Chronic Contact Dermatitis.

  The chronic form of contact eczema is caused by weak irritants. These require fairly long or repeated periods of skin contact to provoke irritative contact dermatitis.

• Acute contact eczema.

  The acute form of contact eczema manifests after just one exposure to a highly irritating allergen. This is enough to damage the skin and cause a significant burn or stinging pain.

How can one determine if it's contact eczema or just a simple irritation?

Skin reactions to an allergen are not necessarily contact eczema. Redness can result from simple irritation. Generally, the symptoms of contact dermatitis do not appear immediately after contact with the allergen, unlike those caused by irritation, including sensations of heat and burning.

As previously mentioned, contact dermatitis occurs when the skin reacts to an external irritating substance known as an allergen. The reaction progresses in two phases.

1. The sensitization phase.

   This phase begins when the allergenic substance penetrates the skin. Once inside, it binds with natural proteins in the skin tissue to form a complex. This complex is then transported throughout the body by lymphocytes, white blood cells that are part of the immune system. Lymphocytes play a key role in recognizing and neutralizing germs and foreign substances thanks to the immune memory. The sensitization phase can last from a few days to a few weeks, without visible symptoms of skin lesions.

2. The revelation phase.

   When the substance comes into contact with the skin again, the immune system recognizes it. In response, lymphocytes release lymphokines, a class of cytokines that direct the immune system's response, causing itching, redness, and skin lesions. The initial symptoms of contact eczema occur within 12 to 48 hours following exposure.

   Typically, inflammation is localized to the area in contact with the allergen, but in severe cases, it can spread to large body surfaces. Symptoms generally subside after 4 to 7 days, completely disappearing after approximately two weeks. An individual may remain sensitized for life, or their sensitivity may gradually diminish if they are no longer in contact with the allergen. Without identification of the allergen, the skin thickens and the reaction continues. In some cases, complications may occur: bacterial superinfection, generalization of lesions, and so on.

In the event of contact eczema, it is recommended to seek the advice of a professional. This expert will then conduct an allergy investigation to identify the allergen responsible for the dermatological disorder. To do this, they will perform skin tests, known as patch-tests.

Once the allergen is identified, your doctor will likely prescribe a treatment based on corticosteroids to soothe and calm the inflammation. You can supplement this treatment with the daily application of an emollient, a care product designed to strengthen the skin barrier and nourish the skin.

Furthermore, to combat the itching caused by contact dermatitis, the application of cold compresses or natural ingredients such as thermal water or certain essential oils is recommended. These various elements have soothing properties and can somewhat alleviate the itchiness.