Soothe Irritated Skin
Easy ways to prevent and treat this common condition.
by Genevieve Monsma
One out of 10 people will have red, itchy skin caused by allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) at some point in their lives, according to Erin Warshaw, M.D., president of the American Contact Dermatitis Society. Here, Warshaw explains how to alleviate and steer clear of discomfort.
The basic facts
ACD is an allergic reaction to an external
substance. Once the body becomes irritated, the
immune system sends inflammatory cells to the
dermis (the layer beneath the surface of the skin),
causing spongiosis—the formation of tiny pockets
of fluid—in the epidermis (your skin's top layer). This leads to redness, irritation, and even blisters.
What to look for
> A reaction to jewelry Many women have metal allergies, which are typically linked to the nickel found in earrings, necklaces, and bracelets.
> A breakout that appears after having your hair dyed When a rash develops along the hairline, black dye containing paraphenylendiamine(PPD) is often the culprit. Ask your colorist to check her formula, or avoid home color with PPD.
> Irritation on your eyelids Reactions to skincare products with synthetic fragrances, or to nail polish containing formaldehyde (which gets transferred to the eyes when you rub them), frequently crop up here first because the folds on your lids trap the allergen.
> Red, inflamed skin where clothes cling to your body Clothing dyes or laundry detergents can trigger ACD. Look for hypoallergenic fabrics or try fragrance-free suds.
> A rash on the hands, legs, or ankles after you've been outdoors Poison ivy is the leading cause of ACD.
Simple solutions
To calm inflamed skin and diminish the itch, apply an over-the-counter product like Cortaid Advanced 12-Hour Anti-Itch Cream ($10; at drugstores). For severe cases, doctors may prescribe an oral or topical steroid plus an antihistamine. If the rash is on your eyelids, see a dermatologist, as most over-the-counter creams can't be used on this sensitive area.
