Overview

When something touches your skin, like a certain soap, plant, or metal, it might cause redness, itching, or a rash. This is called contact dermatitis. It’s like a tiny protest happening on your skin’s surface. This skin reaction is your body telling you that it’s not a fan of whatever came into contact with it. The good news is, once you figure out what’s causing the fuss, avoiding it becomes the best strategy to keep your skin happy and rash-free. This process is made simple by visiting a California allergy center.

Diagnosis and treatment

Diagnosing contact dermatitis is like playing detective with your skin. Your allergist will ask about your symptoms, when they started, and if there’s anything you’ve been in contact with recently. There are oral and topical medications that may be prescribed for immediate relief. Often, a patch test is performed to get to the root of the problem. This is done by applying adhesive patches with tiny amounts of different allergens, such as metals, fragrances, or preservatives placed on your skin, usually your back. Over a few days, the patches remain in place, allowing your skin to react if you’re allergic to any of the substances. After this period, your allergist checks for any signs of redness, swelling, or irritation. This process helps pinpoint specific triggers for contact rashes. Once the detective work is done, you and your Clovis allergist can develop a plan to avoid the troublemaker, ensuring your skin stays calm and irritation-free