Description: Acute or chronic skin inflammation caused by direct contact with an environmental substance. It is characterised by localised redness, intense itching, swelling, and small, weeping blisters, followed by skin dryness and scaling.
Causes: It is classified into two main types:
Irritant contact dermatitis: Occurs when a physical or chemical substance directly damages the skin barrier and strips away protective lipids. Common causes include frequent hand washing, detergents, acids, alkalis, solvents, and friction from rough clothing.
Allergic contact dermatitis: An immune-mediated delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction (Type IV). The skin reacts to a specific allergen to which the person has previously been sensitised. Common allergens include nickel (found in jewellery and buttons), fragrances, cosmetic preservatives, hair dyes, and latex.
Best management strategies:
Identification and elimination: Identify and completely avoid contact with the offending substance (patch testing by a dermatologist is a useful tool).
Topical treatment: Apply topical corticosteroid creams for a few days to quickly soothe the inflammatory reaction. Cold, wet compresses are used for weeping blisters.
Repair and protection: Apply neutral emollients and ceramide-containing creams liberally to accelerate regeneration of the damaged stratum corneum, and wear protective gloves when handling household chemicals.
Important note:
The information presented in this text is of a general nature and cannot replace a professional dermatological examination. The content published on S Lift serves exclusively for educational and informative purposes and does not represent medical advice, diagnosis or treatment recommendations. Since every skin reacts uniquely, we recommend a professional diagnosis before introducing new active ingredients, routines, or treatments. To diagnose dermatological diseases, you must consult a doctor or dermatologist. S Lift maintains its focus on holistic care and advanced cosmetology. For an advanced View Skin analysis, visit the S Lift boutique beauty salon at Kačićeva 10 in Zagreb for a personalised approach and consultation tailored to your digital skin impression.
