Contact Dermatitis Treatment in Columbus, Ohio
At Rixis Dermatology, we provide expert diagnosis and treatment for contact dermatitis, helping you find relief from itchy, irritated skin. Serving Columbus and Central Ohio, our board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Stephanie Fabbro, ensures you receive individualized attention and expert care for your skin concerns.
Understanding Contact Dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is an inflammatory skin condition resulting from direct contact with an irritant or allergen. It manifests as a red, itchy rash that may include blisters, dryness, or cracking. There are two types:
Irritant Contact Dermatitis: Caused by exposure to substances that irritate the skin, such as soaps, detergents, or chemicals.
Allergic Contact Dermatitis: Triggered by an allergic reaction to substances like poison ivy, nickel, fragrances, or latex.
Our Approach to Contact Dermatitis Treatment
At Rixis Dermatology, we offer comprehensive care, including:
Thorough Diagnosis: Identifying the cause through medical history and examination.
Patch Testing: To determine specific allergens responsible for the reaction and help give guidance on what types of products contain the allergens.
Topical Treatments: Corticosteroids or immunomodulators to reduce inflammation and itching.
Systemic Medications: For some cases, oral steroids or antihistamines may be prescribed.
Education and Prevention: Guidance Advice on avoiding triggers and protecting your skin.
Why Choose Rixis Dermatology?
Expertise: Skilled in diagnosing and managing various types of contact dermatitis.
Personalized Care: Treatment plans tailored to your specific needs.
Advanced Diagnostics: Access to patch testing for accurate identification of allergens.
Patient Education and Prevention: Empowering you with knowledge to prevent future reactions.
Schedule Your Contact Dermatitis Consultation Today
Find relief from your skin irritation. Contact Rixis Dermatology to schedule your appointment.
Learn More About Contact Dermatitis
For more detailed information about contact dermatitis, its causes, symptoms, and management, please visit our Contact Dermatitis Education Page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is contact dermatitis diagnosed?
Diagnosis is based on the appearance of the rash, your medical history, and exposure to potential irritants or allergens. Patch testing may be used to identify specific allergens.
Can contact dermatitis be cured?
Avoiding the offending substance can resolve the rash. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing future exposure.
How long does it take for contact dermatitis to heal?
With proper treatment and avoidance of the trigger, the rash may improve within 2 to 4 weeks.
Is contact dermatitis contagious?
No, contact dermatitis is not contagious and cannot be spread from person to person.
What can I do to prevent contact dermatitis?
Identify and avoid known irritants or allergens.
Use protective clothing or gloves when handling potential irritants.
Choose fragrance-free and hypoallergenic skin care products.
Maintain a healthy skin barrier with regular moisturizing.
Can contact dermatitis become chronic?
If exposure to the irritant or allergen continues, contact dermatitis can become chronic, leading to persistent symptoms and skin changes like thickening or scaling.
What is the difference between contact dermatitis and atopic dermatitis?
Contact dermatitis is caused by external substances irritating the skin, while atopic dermatitis (eczema) is a chronic condition often linked to genetic factors and immune system dysfunction.
Can stress cause contact dermatitis?
Stress doesn't directly cause contact dermatitis but can exacerbate symptoms by affecting the immune system and skin barrier function.
Is there a test to determine what I'm allergic to?
Yes, patch testing can identify specific allergens causing allergic contact dermatitis. Small amounts of potential allergens are applied to the skin to observe reactions.
Can diet affect contact dermatitis?
Diet typically doesn't cause contact dermatitis, but in rare cases, food allergens can contribute to skin reactions. An allergist or dermatologist can help identify any food-related triggers.