Allergic contact dermatitis is a condition that is caused by substances that come into contact with the skin in an allergic individual. A substance that causes allergic contact dermatitis is called an "allergen". If you are allergic to an allergen, then contact with that allergen to the skin can produce itching and blisters (allergic contact dermatitis).

Things such as acid, alkali, solvents, strong soap or detergent do not usually cause allergic contact dermatitis. These harsh chemicals, which can produce a reaction on anyone's skin, are know as "irritants". Some chemicals are both irritants and allergens.

Finding The Cause
You and your dermatologist will discuss the materials that come into contact with your skin at work and home to try to identify the allergen. Most contact dermatitis is diagnosed by location of the rash. Sometimes cause can not be identified by history and physical examination, and your dermatologist may want to perform a patch test.

Patch tests are a safe and easy way to diagnose contact allergies. Small amounts of the possible allergen are applied to the skin on strips of tape and then removed after two days. An allergy shows up as a small spot at the site of the patch.

Common allergens include nickel, rubber, dyes, preservatives, fragrances, poison ivy, poison oak, and related plants.

Treatment
People with allergic contact dermatitis should:

• Avoid the allergen that causes the reaction and chemicals that cross-react with it.
• Substitute products that do not cause reactions.

If the allergen causing you problems has not yet been identified we recommend:

• Shampoo/Conditioner

_____Free and Clear Shampoo and Conditioner (1-800-325-8232)
_____DHS Clear Shampoo and Conditioner (Kaiser, non-prescription)

• Soap

_____None
_____Basis (does have lanolin)
_____Cetaphil (does have parabens)
_____Other ________________

• Detergents

_____Dreft
_____All Free and Clear
_____Cheer-Free
_____Other ___________________
_____X DO NOT USE ANY FABRIC SOFTENERS OR STATIC SHEETS

• Moisturizer

_____None
_____Vaseline ointment
_____Vanicream (1-800-325-8232)
*Free of dyes, perfume, fragrance, masking fragrances, formaldehyde, lanolin, parabens
_____DML Forte Cream
_____DML Lotion
_____Other _________________

• Sunscreens

_____None
_____Clinique City Block Oil-Free Daily (Titanium Dioxide)
_____Ti-Screen (Titanium Dioxide)
_____Neutragena Chemical-Free SPF 17 (Sensitive skin formulation)
_____Other _______________________

• Topical Steroid

_____Diprosone Ointment (Class 2) USE INSTRUCTIONS:
_____Synalar Ointment (Cass 4) USE INSTRUCTIONS:
_____Other _________________ USE INSTRUCTIONS:

Some other tips

• Be a label reader. Also, be aware that many chemicals have synonyms so you should still be wary of any new product that gets on your skin even though you have read what is in it.
• Test products on your skin. The crease ("crook") of the elbow is a good place to test products for a reaction. Applying the product twice/day to this site for a two-week trail period is a way to see if your skin can tolerate it.