Contact Dermatitis
Even though it affects only the superficial areas of the skin, contact dermatitis is one skin condition that can have an adverse effect on a person’s self-esteem as it can really change one’s appearance. The presence of contact dermatitis can also be an annoying experience because the rashes are extremely itchy and can hamper a person’s functions. AS mentioned in Dr. Harold Farber’s blog, contact dermatitis is an allergic reaction of the skin to allergens. Allergens may be present in nickel, chromates, cosmetics, and lanolin to mention a few. Though contact dermatitis can start from a simple scratch, this type of allergy can evolve from mild to severe depending on the duration of the exposure, with symptoms ranging from large welts to blisters. Although there are anti-allergy medications that can be purchased immediately to counter the effects of contact dermatitis, such as antihistamine and anti-itching creams, nothing still beats giving the body allergy shots in order to be allergy-free. Allergy shots, formally known as allergen immunotherapy, is a new method of alleviating a person of his or her allergies by gradual yet managed exposure to allergens. People who frequently suffer from contact dermatitis are injected with allergens on a strictly supervised schedule by allergists and immunologists. Allergy shots work by slowly desensitizing a body’s allergic reaction to allergens, particularly the body’s immune system. Basically, allergy shots get the body used to allergens thereby decreasing the body’s sensitivity to them. Though an allergy shot therapy is a long process, the benefits outweigh the cons, especially for people who are vulnerable to contact dermatitis.
Harold Farber is profiled on Health Grades.
Harold Farber has offices in Philadelphia and Narbeth, PA.
