For about a year now, my face has been itchy and red, especially when it rains. The doctor diagnosed me with contact dermatitis. Could the humid weather and heavy rain be the cause of the disease? (Thuy Nga, Dong Nai)
Reply:
Contact dermatitis is a skin disease caused by direct contact with an allergen or irritant, commonly metal components in jewelry, synthetic rubber in gloves or chemicals from cosmetics; chemicals such as acids, alkalis, dyes... Some people may have a reaction when exposed to food.
A rash when you go out in the rain may be a sign of contact dermatitis caused by plant sap or pollen in the rainwater, which can cause irritation or allergies. In addition, dirt and chemicals in rainwater can also cause the disease.
Wet weather also creates favorable conditions for the disease to develop by increasing humidity, changing the skin's pH and making the skin more sensitive to irritants. When exposed to irritants, the skin becomes red, itchy, scaly, cracked or peeling, and has a rash.
People with contact dermatitis often have red rashes and peeling skin. Photo: Freepik
Not only does it cause itching and discomfort, the disease also affects aesthetics. To improve skin condition, patients should wash the affected skin area with water and mild soap to remove irritants. Limit the use of soaps with fragrances or colorants. Use anti-allergy creams or corticosteroid creams prescribed by a doctor to reduce swelling, redness, and itching.
Use a fragrance-free, non-irritating moisturizer to keep your skin moist and reduce itching. Avoid contact with irritants and stop using the product immediately if skin irritation occurs. Take or apply medications as prescribed by your doctor.
To prevent the disease, it is necessary to identify and avoid contact with skin irritants when the cause is known. When using chemicals or items that can cause irritation, wear gloves and protective clothing. Use cosmetics and creams that have been tested for quality. Apply sunscreen to protect the skin from the effects of UV rays. Avoid contact with plants that can cause skin irritation.
Most of the time, allergic contact dermatitis is not too serious and can heal itself when the skin is no longer exposed to the causative agent. However, the disease is likely to recur if the cause is not determined. In many cases, improper treatment causes contact dermatitis to spread, infection and scarring that greatly affects aesthetics.
Identifying the cause, taking care of it, and following preventive measures can help control this condition effectively. However, if symptoms become severe or persistent, you should consult a dermatologist for advice and proper treatment.
MD.CKI Nguyen Thi Kim Dung
Dermatology - Skin Aesthetics Department, Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City
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