Identifying the Cause of Allergic Contact Dermatitis

When you are trying to identify your allergen it is important to remember that the reaction does not occur immediately. Other types of rashes may happen almost immediately after exposure. They also begin to improve shortly after the allergen is removed. However, allergic contact dermatitis can take from 48 to 72 hours before you can see a reaction on your skin. It also takes longer to heal. This delay is why it becomes more difficult to identify the specific allergen which is causing the eczema.

This is why patch testing is a preferred method to identify allergens. Patch testing accounts for the delayed reaction and extended timeframe associated with this type of eczema. Patch testing involves low dose strips of specific allergens attached to the skin for at least two days. If a reaction occurs, especially a red, inflamed spot then that allergen is considered one of your triggers. This type of testing does take some time in order to test the most common allergens. If you have an uncommon allergy then it may take even more time.

If you do not have this kind of time or do not want to do a series of patch tests, then you can try to determine your allergen by yourself. It can be complicated. It will require patience, great observational skills, and good note taking abilities.

You should begin determining your allergen by keeping notes about the location of the eczema. Contact dermatitis, just as the name implies, occurs when the allergen touches the skin. If you find you are regularly getting eczema in the same place then you need to journal what regularly touches your skin in that location. If only one item is on your list, then you have easily identified your allergen. If there is more than one item on your list then you will have to use the process of elimination by avoiding all but one allergen for at least 2 weeks. If you have no reaction, expose yourself to another allergen for the next 2 weeks. Continue this process until you have a reaction and can identify your allergen.

This type of reaction happens frequently if you are sensitive to nickel. This is a very common allergen. Nickel is frequently used to make jewelry, watches, and other accessories that touch your skin. If you normally have a rash on your ears, wrist, or neck then your very first suspect should be a nickel allergy.

You would be surprised how many common allergens you are exposed to each day. Skin care products, rubber, latex, hair dyes, and nail varnish are among the most common allergens. Some of the common allergens outdoors that are known to cause contact dermatitis include poison ivy and poison oak. The less common allergies tend to be found in the workplace. Wood workers, construction workers, welders, painters, nurses, and other people who are regularly exposed to chemicals in the workplace may find one or more allergens there. This is a condition called occupational contact dermatitis and you will need the help of your employer to identify and limit this type of contact.

Determining the cause of your eczema is the most important step in treating your allergic contact dermatitis. This will help you avoid exposure, control your condition, and actually prevent eczema. The sooner you can identify your allergens, the sooner you can stop your suffering.