Some things are just too harsh for sensitive people to bear that repeated exposure to them will cause them to break out in red, itchy, bumpy rashes. Products like soaps, detergent, toilet cleaners can strip off the skin’s natural protective oils causing irritation. This condition is called irritant contact dermatitis.

Mechanism of the reaction

Irritant contact dermatitis affects 2 to 6% of the population in industrialized countries. Occupations that are at an increased risk for developing the condition are those involved in cleaning services, hairdressing, and hospitals where repeated contact over chemicals and caustic agents.

The epidermis of our skin acts as a natural barrier and our body’s first line of defense. Prolonged or repeated exposure to irritants like those found in solvents, alkalis, acids, detergents, soaps, water, cosmetics, low humidity air, and gloves causes cellular changes that lead to the appearance of itchy rashes and blisters that eventually leads to the thickening and scaling of the skin known as hyperkeratosis. The onset of symptoms in acute irritant contact dermatitis occurs within minutes to hours after exposure to strong chemicals. This causes painful swelling and vesicles. On the other hand chronic irritant contact dermatitis requires sufficient and repeated exposure to low level irritants like soaps.

What you Doctor can do for you

The diagnosis of irritant contact dermatitis is heavily based on history and assessment of the clinical manifestations. Because irritant and allergic types may coexist, patch testing may rule out the former from the diagnosis.

Like other forms of contact dermatitis, management for the condition includes the removal/ avoidance of the causative agent, and application of topical corticosteroids to relieve itching and inflammation. Emollients can be applied unto the skin to help restore its natural make up.

What you can do

Once you are familiar with what causes the dermatitis, try to avoid them or use alternatives.

• Gloves may offer some protection however, they may also become a source of irritants.
• Reduce exposure to water and chemical products that may dry out the skin.
• Use mild, non-irritating soaps like Dove and Cetaphil for bathing or handwashing.
• Moisturizers improve scaling and prevent drying which could help restore the protective layer of the skin.