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Contact Dermatitis: When Symptoms Start And Could End

Contact dermatitis is characterized by inflammatory skin symptoms that appear after touching an irritating substance or an allergen. It can arise hours to days after contact with the trigger, resulting in itchiness, rashes, and blistering.

Recovering from contact dermatitis can take several weeks, and the symptoms can change throughout the healing process. In addition to identifying and avoiding the trigger, a range of home methods, over-the-counter, and prescribed treatments can manage this condition.

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Contact Dermatitis Triggers on Different Body Parts There are two types of contact dermatitis, determined by the trigger, as follows: Irritant contact dermatitis: The most common type, caused by contact with irritating substances and friction, not a true allergy to a substance. Allergic contact dermatitis: This type occurs due to an allergy to certain substances. Various substances can trigger contact dermatitis and affect different body parts. Identifying triggers can help you manage and prevent this reaction. Hands and Feet Common materials—often substances you may work with daily—can trigger contact dermatitis on the hands or feet, including: Cement Certain soaps Disinfectants, harsh cleaners, hand sanitizer Fertilizer or pesticides Gasoline, motor oil Hair dye Irritating chemicals, such as solvents, bleach, detergents, and degreasers Nail polish Nickel or other metals (from rings, bracelets, belt buckles, wristwatches, and buttons) Poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac Preservatives in certain topical medications Rubber or vinyl gloves or boots Topical antibiotics (e.G., neomycin) Face, Head, and Neck Triggers A range of everyday products and materials trigger contact dermatitis on the face, head, or scalp. These include: Balsam of Peru, an ingredient used in certain cosmetics or perfumes Fragrances in perfumes, soaps, moisturizers, shampoos, or facial skincare products Hair dyes and certain hair products Nickel or metals, such as those in necklaces, earrings, or other jewelry Skin adhesives, including those used to attach false eyelashes or hairpieces Genital and Groin Triggers Contact dermatitis can also affect the genitals and skin around the groin due to: Certain fabrics and dyes used in clothing, including underwear Certain soaps, detergents, and solvents Chlorinated water Latex condoms Other Triggers Some triggers cause photoallergic or phototoxic contact dermatitis, meaning symptoms are worsened by sun exposure. After contact, the symptoms arise when the skin is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays in sunlight. Triggers for this type may include: Certain perfumes Certain sunscreens Oil derived from lime skin Products containing coal tar Shaving lotion Sulfa ointment Airborne allergens or irritants can also cause contact dermatitis. These include ragweed, certain types of perfume, nail lacquer vapor, and insecticide spray. It most commonly affects the face, forearms, and hands. How Skin Looks and Feels  An itchy, raised rash is the primary symptom of contact dermatitis, but how this presents varies depending on the trigger, type, and individual case. Symptoms can arise anywhere from several hours to weeks or even months after exposure to the trigger; common signs include: Hives and blisters: Fluid-filled hives (itchy welts) and blisters can form on the rash. These can eventually burst or leak fluid and form crusts. Irritated skin: Patches of dry, irritated, or flaky skin can also arise; irritant contact dermatitis can cause cracking or fissures. Itchiness: In many cases, the first signs of contact dermatitis include itching, burning, stinging, and sensitivity in the affected area. These symptoms can become intense and persist after other symptoms set in. Open sores: Painful, open sores can develop on the rash, leaking fluid and crusting over.  Rash: A raised rash can form on the affected area, often adopting the trigger's shape. A rash from contact dermatitis feels swollen, tender, and hot. It can appear purple, dark brown, or gray on darker skin or red on those with lighter-pigmented skin. Swelling: The affected area becomes very swollen; this is especially common in the face, around the eyes, or groin.   Thickened skin: With chronic contact dermatitis, the skin becomes thickened and rough to the touch.   Genital Symptoms Rashes, swelling, and redness around the groin are common signs of contact dermatitis. In people with a vagina, contact dermatitis of the vulva (the lips around the vagina) causes itchy, irritated, and inflamed skin, sometimes leaking fluid. Long-term cases can progress to vulvodynia (chronic pain) and pain during intercourse or upon touch. When to Initiate Treatment If you are experiencing symptoms of contact dermatitis, it's crucial to identify and remove the trigger. If you can remove the allergen or irritant, the symptoms typically resolve within several weeks of onset. You do not need a diagnosis to start self-care and home remedies for this condition, and many people can manage without medical treatment. That said, you should seek care from your provider in the following cases: Home remedies or treatments are not working Severe skin reactions and symptoms, especially if they disrupt sleep or daily function Symptoms are persistent or get worse Symptoms of infection, such as fever, redness or change in color, warmth, and tenderness   Contact Dermatitis Home Remedies The most important thing you can do to manage contact dermatitis is to avoid the trigger. In addition, the following home remedies can help manage symptoms and prevent them from worsening: Cleanse: Wash the affected area thoroughly to help remove any traces of the trigger on the skin. Use a mild soap and lukewarm water. Avoid scratching: When you scratch skin affected by contact dermatitis, you can spread the allergen or irritant, worsening symptoms. Scratching these areas can also raise the risk of skin infection. Apply a cool compress: Wet a towel with cold water and apply it to the affected areas for 10 to 15 minutes, as needed to manage the itching. Take an oatmeal bath: An oatmeal bath can also relieve itch. Use lukewarm water with a cup of oatmeal, and soak for 10 to 15 minutes. Moisturize: Keeping your skin moisturized helps keep skin healthy and resilient, and it can manage and prevent contact dermatitis. Use a fragrance-free moisturizer, emollient, or skin-barrier repair cream throughout the day, especially after washing or bathing. Make sure your skin reacts well to it; test out anything you use on a small area of skin first. Try medications: A range of topical medications and ointments are available over the counter at drug stores. Examples include calamine lotion, petroleum jelly, or topical corticosteroid anti-itch creams like hydrocortisone (Cortaid or Ala-Cort). Steroid Creams and Symptoms While effective for mild cases of contact dermatitis, corticosteroid creams are only intended for short-term use. If used for a long time, the symptoms can come back or become even worse. These medications may be ineffective against conditions that cause similar symptoms, such as skin infections or scabies. Prescribed Contact Dermatitis Creams You may need prescription-strength topical medications if your symptoms are severe or chronic. Several classes of drugs may help: Calcineurin-inhibitors, such as Elidel (pimecrolimus) and Prograf (tacrolimus) Phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE-4) inhibitors, including Eucrisa (crisaborole) and Lotamilast (DMVT 501) Prescription-strenth corticosteroids like Omipred (prednisone) or Clobex (clobetasol) In severe and persistent cases, your healthcare provider may consider oral corticosteroids to manage symptoms. They may also prescribe injections of immunosuppressant or immunomodulating drugs, such as Xatmep (methotrexate), Neoral (cyclosporine), and Dupixent (dupilumab). Healing in Stages: How Long Does It Take?  Healing from contact dermatitis does not happen overnight. If the trigger is eliminated and avoided, it typically takes two to three weeks for the symptoms to clear completely. Scratching affected areas can prolong your symptoms and lead to complications. If you come into contact with the allergen or irritant again, contact dermatitis comes back. Secondary Complications and Symptoms  Most cases of contact dermatitis are manageable. However, in rare and severe cases, some may experience permanent effects on the skin and complications, including: Lichenified skin: Chronic contact dermatitis or exposure to triggers can cause lichenification, a process in which the skin becomes leathery and thick. Infection: Contact dermatitis can cause skin to break, as can scratching affected areas, allowing bacteria on the skin, such as Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus, to pass through and cause infection. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation: Some people can develop a permanent change in skin color after inflammatory conditions like contact dermatitis or acne. The affected areas become permanently darker than the surrounding skin. Specialists Who Oversee Chronic Contact Dermatitis  Chronic contact dermatitis causes persistent and severe symptoms. In these cases, identifying the trigger and figuring out how to avoid it is often difficult. Your primary care provider may refer you to a specialist. Diagnosis and treatment are usually led by a dermatologist (medical doctor specializing in conditions of the skin, hair, and nails) who can perform allergy testing and guide treatment. Allergists (allergy specialists) and immunologists (doctors who treat conditions affecting the immune system) may also oversee care.    Summary Contact dermatitis is a set of skin symptoms caused by contact with an irritating substance or allergen. It can occur anywhere on the body and cause itchy or painful rashes, blisters, discoloration, swelling, and sores. If the trigger is not present, symptoms typically resolve within three weeks. Identifying and avoiding the cause of contact dermatitis is critical in managing it. Home remedies and topical corticosteroids can manage most symptoms. In more severe cases, healthcare providers can prescribe topical medications. If symptoms persist or become severe, you should get medical help. 9 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. MedlinePlus. Contact dermatitis. American Academy of Dermatology. Eczema types: contact dermatitis. American Academy of Dermatology. Eczema types: contact dermatitis causes. Scheinman PL, Vocanson M, Thyssen JP, et al. Contact dermatitis. Nat Rev Dis Primers. 2021;7(1):38. Doi:10.1038/s41572-021-00271-4 Corazza M, Toni G, Zedde P, Schettini N, Borghi A. Contact dermatitis of the vulva. Allergies. 2021;1(4):206-215. Doi:10.3390/allergies1040019 Abraham A, Roga G. Topical steroid-damaged skin. Indian J Dermatol. 2014;59(5):456-459. Doi:10.4103/0019-5154.139872 Osmosis. Lichenification. MedlinePlus. Skin infections. Al-Qarqaz F, Bodoor K, Baba A, Al-Yousef A, Muhaidat J, Alshiyab D. Post-acne hyperpigmentation: evaluation of risk factors and the use of artificial neural network as a predictive classifier. Dermatol Reports. 2021;13(3):8223. Doi:10.4081/dr.2021.8223 Additional Reading By Mark GurarieGurarie is a freelance writer and editor. He is a writing composition adjunct lecturer at George Washington University.   Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error

What To Know About Using Tea Tree Oil On Your Hair

While tea tree oil may help with several conditions, it's also known to help clean the hair and reduce dandruff. You can use the essential oil itself or buy a shampoo containing tea tree.

People have been using plant extracts for thousands of years, and they often serve as an alternative to Western medicine. Tea tree oil is a particularly popular essential oil derived from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia plant.

In particular, people use tea tree oil for dandruff and hair health. It's commonly found in everyday products like shampoo.

Read on to learn more about using tea tree oil in your hair.

Tea tree oil can help with various scalp conditions, such as dandruff.

Using a shampoo with harsh chemicals could strip your hair follicles of much-needed nutrients. If you use a lot of products or dye your hair often, you can also put your hair at risk of breaking off or falling out.

Adding small amounts of diluted tea tree oil to your shampoo can help prevent a buildup of chemicals and dead skin. This keeps your hair healthy and moisturized, allowing it to grow without breaking or falling out.

When scaly, dry skin builds up on your scalp, it may cause dandruff. Left untreated, the dead skin buildup could ultimately hinder hair growth. Because tea tree oil is antifungal, it can help reduce scaliness caused by dandruff.

If you have an autoimmune condition, are going through chemotherapy, have a genetic disposition to losing hair, or have hair loss associated with aging, tea tree oil likely won't help with your hair loss. If any of the above apply to you, it's a good idea to speak with your doctor about treatment options.

Unlike many popular alternative remedies, some research supports the benefits of tea tree oil. Much of the research focuses on maintaining healthy hair and scalp, as well as managing various hair conditions.

According to a 2021 study, tea tree oil shampoos can effectively soothe dandruff.

To help with dandruff, apply a shampoo with 5% tea tree oil to your scalp. Start by using it once per week, and increase to more if needed.

For healthy hair, dilute tea tree oil with a 1 to 10 ratio of tea tree oil to almond or another similar oil. Use the mixture every day to get the best results.

Although tea tree oil provides benefits, there are a few precautions to consider.

For example, do not ingest any essential oils. Only use them topically, and dilute them in a carrier oil first. It's also best to patch test any product with tea tree oil on the lower inside of your arm first. Wait 12 to 24 hours to see if you have a reaction.

Look for signs of a severe reaction, such as swelling, pain, hives, and extreme itching. These are all potential signs of a topical allergic reaction.

If you're allergic to Balsam of Peru, benzoin, colophony tinctures, eucalyptol, or plants from the myrtle family, you have a greater probability of also being allergic to tea tree oil. In this case, it's usually a good idea to avoid it.

People who are pregnant and nursing should use tea tree oil with caution. If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, speak with your doctor before trying tea tree oil on your hair.


Ragweed Allergy

Ragweed is a weed that grows all over the United States. It's especially common in the Eastern and Midwestern states, and Alaska is the only state where it doesn't grow. It triggers ragweed allergy symptoms in many people.

Ragweed is an annual plant, so it grows for only one season. The plants start to grow in the spring, then flower in August or September in most parts of the U.S.. 

The particles of pollen from ragweed plants are tiny and easily carried around by the wind. A single ragweed plant can produce a billion grains of pollen.

Ragweed allergy season can run from late summer through November, depending on your location. (Photo Credit: iStock/Getty images)

What does ragweed look like?

Ragweed plants have spiky flowers that are dull green or yellowish, and the stems of the plant look hairy. The leaves are thin and divided, with lobes or "teeth" somewhat like fern leaves. Many branches grow from each stem of a ragweed plant.

Types of ragweed

Ragweed is part of the aster (asteraceae) family, which also includes daisies and sunflowers. Seventeen types of ragweed plants grow in North America. Among the species that are most common in the U.S. Are common ragweed and giant ragweed. 

Common ragweed grows 1 to 3 feet tall, and its leaves look fern-like. Giant ragweed can grow from 3 to 12 feet tall, and its leaves are usually divided into three to five lobes. 

Ragweed vs. Goldenrod

Goldenrod is another plant that's part of the aster family, and it blooms around the same time as ragweed. Goldenrod and ragweed plants look somewhat similar, so people sometimes confuse the two. But if you have allergy symptoms, they're most likely triggered by ragweed, not goldenrod. While it's possible to be allergic to goldenrod, its pollen isn't distributed through the air. So you'd have to have physical contact with the plant to trigger a reaction.

You can tell the two plants apart because goldenrod has bright yellow flowers that look fluffier than ragweed flowers, which are duller in color. And goldenrod has a single stem with the flowers concentrated at the top, while ragweed has more branches growing from the sides of the stem. 

Because goldenrod pollen is heavier than that of ragweed, the wind can't carry it away. Goldenrod is a perennial plant, which means it grows back every year, and it's important for pollinators.  

Ragweed map

Ragweed allergies are usually the worst in Eastern and Midwestern states, where the allergy season can last up to four months. In some Southern states, the ragweed season is shorter. 

The most common ragweed species vary depending on the area. 

A ragweed allergy is an allergic reaction to the pollen of the ragweed plant. When you have an allergic reaction, it's because your immune system perceives the pollen as a harmful substance that it needs to fight off. So your body releases a chemical called histamine that causes symptoms like sneezing and a runny nose.

If your allergies flare up in the late summer or early fall, you're probably allergic to ragweed. It's the most common trigger for hay fever. 

How common are ragweed allergies?

About 1 out of 5 people have allergic reactions to ragweed when levels of its pollen in the air are high. In the U.S., almost 50 million people have ragweed allergy. Among environmental allergens, ragweed is one of the most common.

Ragweed season

Ragweed allergy season starts when ragweed plants are in bloom and releasing pollen and ends when cooler weather kills the plants. For most of the U.S., the season starts around July or August, peaks in mid-September, and lasts through October. For some areas in the South, including parts of Texas and Louisiana, ragweed allergy season is usually between August and November. Florida has the shortest season, from August to October.

In some areas, ragweed allergy season has gotten longer. This may be because of climate change, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

It's not clear why some people are allergic to ragweed and others aren't. But exposure to the plant's pollen is what triggers allergy symptoms. Ragweed grows in many areas, and its pollen spreads easily, so you may be unaware that you've been exposed. 

The allergy symptoms are actually caused by the histamine your body releases in reaction to ragweed pollen, not the pollen itself. 

Ragweed allergy risk factors

You might have a higher risk of ragweed allergy if you have:

  • A history of asthma
  • A history of eczema
  • A family history of allergies
  • Living in an area with high levels of ragweed pollen may also make you more likely to have a ragweed allergy. 

    If you have a ragweed allergy, your symptoms may include:

  • Runny nose or nasal congestion
  • Sneezing
  • Coughing or itchy throat
  • Postnasal drip (when mucus runs down your throat, which can cause a sore throat)
  • Itchy, watery, or red eyes
  • Fatigue or disturbed sleep
  • Rash or hives
  • When you have symptoms like this in reaction to a seasonal pollen, it's called seasonal allergy rhinitis, or hay fever. 

    Ragweed rash

    Sometimes, exposure to ragweed pollen can cause allergy symptoms on your skin in the form of hives or a rash. This is called ragweed rash. When you have ragweed rash, you might have itchy red streaks that may also be painful and later form blisters. You can get this rash 24 to 48 hours after being exposed to ragweed pollen, and it might last two to three weeks.

    Severe ragweed allergy symptoms

    The symptoms of ragweed allergy can range from mild to severe. A little bit of a stuffy nose can be a nuisance, but if you're really congested and constantly coughing or sneezing, these more serious symptoms could get in the way of your everyday activities.

     If you have asthma and breathe in ragweed pollen, it can make your lungs and airways inflamed and swollen and lead to an asthma attack. You might have serious symptoms like:

    If you think you have a ragweed allergy, talk to your doctor about your symptoms. They'll probably do a physical exam and ask about your health history and symptoms.

    To confirm a ragweed allergy diagnosis, an allergist can do a skin prick or scratch test. This involves applying a small amount of ragweed pollen to your skin, scratching or pricking your skin with a needle, then waiting about 15 minutes to see if you have a reaction. If you have a ragweed allergy, your skin will become red, itchy, or swollen where the pollen was applied. 

    Another way allergists can diagnose ragweed allergy is by testing your blood for antibodies against ragweed pollen.

    If allergy testing confirms that you have a ragweed allergy, your doctor may recommend over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription medications or allergy shots. 

    Medications for ragweed allergy treatment include:

  • Antihistamines such as fexofenadine, which ease ragweed allergy symptoms by blocking histamine
  • Decongestants such as pseudoephedrine, which relieve nasal congestion
  • Nasal corticosteroids such as fluticasone, which reduce inflammation and congestion
  • Leukotriene inhibitors such as montelukast (Singulair), which block another chemical your body releases in response to an allergen 
  • Your doctor also may recommend immunotherapy, or allergy shots, to treat ragweed allergy. Over the course of months or years, allergy shots help your body develop a tolerance to ragweed so it no longer triggers an allergic reaction. Another immunotherapy option is tablets you put under your tongue, which work the same way allergy shots do.

    The best ragweed allergy medicine for you depends on the symptoms you have and how serious they are. If your symptoms are mild, for example, an over-the-counter antihistamine may be enough. But certain treatments may work better for some people than for others. 

    Sometimes, early treatment can help minimize ragweed allergy symptoms. If your doctor recommends this approach, you can start taking medications two weeks before ragweed season starts. That way, you can stop your allergic reactions before they start.

    Because ragweed grows abundantly, avoiding it may be impossible. But there are ways to limit your exposure and lower your risk of ragweed allergy symptoms.

    During ragweed allergy season, you should:

    Check pollen counts. Limit the time you spend outdoors when ragweed pollen levels are high.

    Avoid peak ragweed hours. Limit the time you spend outside between 10 a.M. And 3 p.M. Ragweed pollen counts are lower in the early morning and late afternoon.

    Keep windows closed. At home and in the car, don't open the windows. Using central air conditioning with a HEPA filter will keep you cool and help filter out pollen.

    Consider wearing a face mask and hat when you're outside. This can reduce the amount of pollen you breathe in and keep pollen from settling in your hair. 

    Change your clothes and wash your hands after you've been outside. Ragweed can stick to skin and clothing. 

    Avoid drying laundry outside. Ragweed pollen can settle on your laundry. Instead, dry your laundry in a dryer or on indoor racks or lines.

    Try to reduce the pollen that comes into your home. Take your shoes off indoors to avoid tracking pollen in, and don't wear clothes to bed that you've worn for long periods outside.

    How to track the ragweed pollen count

    You can check ragweed pollen levels through the National Allergy Bureau, websites such as the American Academy of Asthma, Allergy, and Immunology, and through various pollen tracking apps. Some newspapers, local news sites, weather websites, and air quality monitoring sites also provide current or forecasted pollen levels. Some of these resources may provide a general pollen level — like low, medium, or high — rather than a specific number for the pollen count. 

    Ragweed allergy foods to avoid

    For some people with ragweed allergies, eating foods that contain proteins similar to those found in ragweed pollen can worsen allergy symptoms. Possible triggers are:

  • Bananas
  • Melons
  • Cucumber
  • Zucchini
  • Sunflower seeds
  • Chamomile tea
  • When this happens, it's called oral allergy syndrome (OAS) or pollen food allergy syndrome (PFAS). It can cause a tingly or itchy feeling in your mouth. Talk to your doctor if you think you may have this syndrome, and they can help figure out which foods to avoid.

    Here are some things to know about ragweed:

  • Ragweed pollen travels easily. Because it's so light, the wind carries ragweed pollen a long way. Researchers have found ragweed pollen 2 miles up in the atmosphere and 400 miles out at sea.

  • Ragweed often grows along roadsides, in vacant lots, and along rivers.

  • Warm, breezy weather and humidity help release ragweed pollen.

  • Ragweed is worse when nights are cool and days are warm and dry.

  • The pollen season for ragweed and other weeds is usually from about July to October, while the pollen seasons for trees and grasses happen at other times of the year.

  • Some ragweed allergy symptoms are similar to cold symptoms, like stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, and coughing. If you have both asthma and a ragweed allergy, it can cause severe symptoms. 

  • Ragweed allergy is very common in the late summer and fall. It happens when your immune system overreacts to the pollen of the ragweed plant, which grows abundantly in most areas of the U.S. It's hard to completely avoid exposure to this weed, but  there are ways to reduce your exposure as well as treatments that can ease your allergy symptoms. 

    How do you know if you have ragweed allergy?

    Seasonal allergy symptoms can be similar to cold symptoms. To find out for sure whether you have a ragweed allergy,  you can get a blood or skin test from an allergist.

    In what month is ragweed the highest?

    In most areas of the U.S., the height of ragweed allergy season is in September.

    What is the best thing to take for ragweed allergies?

    You can treat ragweed allergies with over-the-counter or prescription medications or allergy shots. But a treatment that works well for someone else may not work for you. Your doctor can recommend the best treatments for you to try.

    What are the worst states for ragweed allergies?

    States in the East and Midwest are typically the worst for ragweed allergy.

    What is mistaken for ragweed?

    Goldenrod is often mistaken for ragweed. It blooms at the same time of year and the two plants look somewhat alike. But goldenrod's pollen doesn't spread through the air, so it's much less likely to trigger allergies. 

    Where is ragweed most commonly found?

    Ragweed is found all over the U.S.. It often grows on the side of the road, in riverbanks, and in vacant lots.

    Why are ragweed allergies so bad?

    One reason ragweed allergies are so bad is because ragweed pollen spreads easily and travels far, making it difficult to avoid. Some researchers say ragweed allergy season has become longer because of climate change.

    How to get rid of ragweed?

    If you have ragweed growing in your yard, you can pull it out. But wear gloves because ragweed can irritate your skin. 


    Food Allergies | Causes, Symptoms & Treatment | ACAAI Public Website

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