Itchy weepy rash localised to the area of contact with the allergen. It usually develops a few days after the contact with the allergen and can persist for a few weeks.
Although plants and animals can cause ACD, it is commonly due to metals, chemicals in self care products or even cleaning products.
People are not born with Allergic Contact Dermatitis, they acquire this reaction over time.
Contact allergies tend to develop gradually over a long period of time, as a result of repeated contact with the substance that triggers them.
Even if you have been using a product for several years, you can become sensitised to ingredients. Moreover, manufacturers can change their formulas or use a different formula name making it difficult for you to know exactly what your skin is in contact with.
A contact patch test can diagnose ACD.
- Health care workers
- Food handlers and processors
- Beauticians and hairdressers
- Construction and concrete workers
- Bakers
- Makeup artists
Firstly by seeing one of our trained Doctors we can determine whether this is Allergic Contact Dermatitis or another rash by the pattern of the rash and history.
Some patients may require Contact patch testing or even a skin biopsy.
We can consider whether other specialists such as dermatologists may be needed in your treatment plan.
Occupational skin disease often can cause Allergic Contact Dermatitis. Approximately 40% of workers compensation cases involved a skin problem and up to 95% of these involve a job-induced contact dermatitis.
Some people who develop contact allergies are no longer able to carry on doing the same kind of work as before. Counselling may be required.
Our Doctors can arrange any necessary workers compensation certificates.