Q What causes contact dermatitis? What is the difference between irritant and allergic types?
A When a substance touching the skin directly damages the skin barrier, it is irritant contact dermatitis; when the immune system overreacts to a specific substance, it is allergic contact dermatitis. Irritant dermatitis can occur in anyone given enough concentration or repeated exposure, whereas allergic dermatitis recurs in someone already sensitized, even with tiny amounts.
Detailed Answer
Contact dermatitis is inflammation caused by an external substance touching the skin, and it is broadly divided into two types. Irritant contact dermatitis occurs when detergents, acids, alkalis, water, or friction directly damage the skin barrier, and it can appear in anyone with sufficient concentration or repeated exposure. Allergic contact dermatitis occurs when the immune system, once sensitized to a specific substance such as nickel, rubber, or fragrance, mounts a delayed hypersensitivity reaction on re-exposure, becoming itchy and red around the contact area even with minute amounts.
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
At Dongjedang, we view contact dermatitis not merely as a problem of the substance touched, but as a signal of an internal bodily environment that has made one react with particular hypersensitivity to the same substance. We see it as a state in which damp-heat (seupyeol) accumulated from disturbed digestive (spleen-stomach) function makes the immune system oversensitive, so that when external irritation is added on top, the skin collapses easily. Accordingly, alongside avoiding the causative substance, we place emphasis on regulating the oversensitized internal immunity and constitution.
Related FAQs
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Q
Because of my job I can't avoid touching the causative substance. Can it really improve without quitting work?
#Possibility / Realistic Goals
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I'm in my 30s and have had atopic dermatitis and allergic rhinitis. Maybe that's why my skin seems to flare up more easily whenever anything touches it. Is there a connection?
#Comorbidities
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Q
I'm 45, living in Dongincheon. When my digestion is poor and my stomach feels bloated, my skin seems to worsen along with it. Is stomach condition related to dermatitis?
#Comorbidities
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Q
I'm in my 50s running a restaurant in Dong-gu, Incheon, so my hands are constantly in contact with water and detergent from dishwashing and cleaning. How should I care for my hands?
#Lifestyle Management
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Q
When I scratch because it's itchy, it oozes and seems to spread more. What should I do when it itches?
#Lifestyle Management