It can take a surprisingly long time for a case of contact dermatitis to settle down and finally be gone.
“Contact dermatitis is a skin allergy caused by a specific allergen,” says Dr. Tess Mauricio, MD, FAAD, a leading board certified dermatologist from Stanford University Medical School and CEO of MBeautyClinic.com.
“It usually presents with a skin rash. Contact dermatitis can last as long as the allergen is present.”
Other Symptoms
- Itching, sometimes severe
- Scaly or dry and cracked skin
- Burning or stinging sensation
- Swelling
- Bumps or blisters that may crust or ooze (from repeated scratching)
Duration of Contact Dermatitis
Dr. Mauricio continues, “But even when the allergen is no longer present and the patient is being treated, it may take one month or even longer for the body’s immune system to calm down and finally resolve the rash associated with contact dermatitis.”
Though the duration of this condition can last two to four weeks or even longer, it may take only minutes for the rash to develop. In other cases it takes a few hours.
Allergenic Causes of Contact Dermatitis
- Antibiotic creams
- Body washes, soaps and moisturizers
- Clothing (formaldehyde)
- Cosmetics, perfumes and mouthwash
- Deodorant
- Disinfectants (formaldehyde)
- Hair coloring
- Flavorings in foods such as bakery, barbecue sauce, beer, candy, chili sauce, chocolate, citrus products, colas, ice cream, ketchup and wine.
- Jewelry including those for piercings, and buckles (due to their nickel content)
- Nail polish
- Oral antihistamines
- Preservatives in foods (formaldehyde)
- Spray insecticides
- Ragweed pollen
- Sunscreens
Even cell phones, scissors and crochet hooks can cause a reaction, due to their nickel content.
Irritant Causes of Contact Dermatitis
- Airborne substances, such as sawdust or wool dust
- Bleach and detergents
- Fertilizers
- Pesticides
- Plants
- Rubbing alcohol
- Shampoos, permanent wave solutions
- Solvents
Of course, contact dermatitis will last indefinitely if the affected body part maintains recurring contact with or ingestion of the offending agent.
Dr. Mauricio is an internationally recognized cosmetic surgeon and the youngest woman to hold the position of President of The San Diego Society for Dermatologic Surgery.
