Contact dermatitis (kɑntækt dɜrmətaɪtɪs) is a skin condition caused by direct contact with an irritant or allergen. The spelling of this term follows the conventions of English phonetic transcription using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The IPA symbols represent the sounds of the word as they are pronounced in English. The word "contact" is pronounced with the /k/ sound in the beginning, whereas "dermatitis" begins with a /d/ sound, followed by the /ɜrm/ and /taɪt/ sounds. This term follows standard English spelling conventions for compound words.
Contact dermatitis is a common skin condition characterized by inflammation and irritation of the skin as a result of direct contact with certain substances. It is a type of dermatitis that occurs when the skin comes into contact with allergens or irritants, triggering an immune reaction. This condition can affect people of all ages.
Allergens are substances that can cause an allergic reaction in individuals who are hypersensitive to them. Common allergens include certain plants (such as poison ivy or oak), metals (like nickel), cosmetics, fragrances, and certain medications. Irritants, on the other hand, are substances that can cause irritation to the skin, even in individuals who are not allergically sensitive. Examples of irritants include soaps, detergents, solvents, and certain chemicals.
Symptoms of contact dermatitis may vary from person to person, but commonly include redness, itching, swelling, and a rash at the site of contact. Blisters, dry, scaly, or cracked skin, and pain or tenderness may also occur. The symptoms typically appear within a few hours or days after contact with the offending substance.
Treatment for contact dermatitis involves avoiding the trigger substance and taking steps to reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms. This may include washing the affected area with mild soap and water, applying over-the-counter corticosteroid creams or ointments, taking oral antihistamines to alleviate itching, and using cold compresses or moisturizers to soothe the skin. Severe cases or those that do not respond to self-care may require prescription medications or further medical intervention.
The word "contact" in "contact dermatitis" comes from the Latin word "contactus", which means "touch". "Dermatitis", on the other hand, is derived from the Greek words "derma" (skin) and "itis" (inflammation) – combining to mean "skin inflammation". Thus, "contact dermatitis" refers to inflammation of the skin caused by direct contact with a particular substance or allergen.