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Allergic Reactions, Contact Dermatitis
There are two types of dermatitis caused by substances coming in contact with the skin: primary irritant dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis.
The primary irritant dermatitis is due to a non-allergic reaction of
the skin resulting from exposure to an irritating substance. Allergic
contact dermatitis is the allergic sensitization to various substances.
Primary Irritant Dermatitis People
who work in areas where their feet are exposed to repeated or prolonged
contact to chemicals, oils, or wet cement can develop primary irritant
dermatitis. There are certain solutions that people soak their feet in
as home remedies. Some of these solutions are safe if used properly,
but their improper use can cause a significant contact dermatitis. This
can result in skin break down and infection. This is particularly
dangerous in people with diabetes; the result can be devastating and
limb threatening. A common misconception is the value of soaking in hot water.
Some people believe that the hotter the water the better. Quite to the
contrary, hot water can cause damage to the skin and result in first or
second-degree burns. People will soak their feet in all sorts of
solutions. Common solutions are bleach, vinegar, salt water and
iodine-based solutions such as betadine. If used properly and under the
guidance of a doctor, these solutions can be beneficial. A common
mistake that is made is to create solutions that are too strong. Should
this occur, irritation to the skin and the development of a rash can
develop. The dermatitis that results can also become secondarily
infected. Allergic Contact Dermatitis Allergic
contact dermatitis is the result of exposure to substances that
sensitize the skin, so that each time one becomes exposed to it again,
an inflammatory reaction will occur. Some people are allergic to the
substances in the dyes of socks or the materials used to make shoes.
The rash that develops is in a pattern that reflects the exposure to
the substance. Adhesive tapes can cause an allergic reaction with
blisters or a rash developing beneath the tape. Not all blistering or
rashes from tape on the feet however are an allergic reaction. Because
of the heat and the accumulation of moisture beneath the tape an acute athlete's foot infection may occur. Treatment Treatment
should be directed at the cause of the dermatitis. Burns should not be
treated with ointments because ointments are too occlusive and can trap
the heat in the burned tissues resulting in further tissue damage. Cool
compresses are soothing and can limit the damage caused by the burn.
The dermatitis caused by the soaking of the feet in concentrated
solutions act like chemical burns and cool compresses are also useful
in this instance. Dermatitis caused by an allergic reaction will
respond well to topical steroid compounds like hydrocortisone cream.
Steroid creams should not be used unless you are certain that the
condition is caused by an allergy. Cortisone creams will mask infection
and allow infections to get worse while reducing the normal
inflammatory reaction associated with infections. Anti-fungal creams
are useful in the treatment of athlete's foot that may be caused by
occlusion under adhesive tape.
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