Allergic contact dermatitis hobnobbed with the workplace develops in stages. Allergic contact dermatitis is an fidgety skin condition caused by an allergic reaction to material in contact with the skin. Many different materials can cause allergic contact dermatitis, which are called ‘allergens.

Allergic contact dermatitis is not usually caused by substances like acid, alkali, solvent, strong soap or detergent. These harsh compounds, that can produce a reaction on anyone’s skin, are called as ‘irritants’. There is a period during that an individual may be continually in contact with allergenic substances without forming any skin reaction. This can remain a lifetime or only a few days. The allergenic action of a substance depends on its capacity to change some properties of the outer layer of the skin.

This layer acts as a protective barrier for toxic substances. Some substances can remove fats, oils and water from the outer layer of the skin. Allergic contact dermatitis develops more commonly in adults. The most common forms of allergic contact dermatitis are allergy to poison ivy and poison oak. Allergic contact dermatitis is also obvious from irritant contact dermatitis, in which a similar skin condition is caused by excessive contact with irritants.

Causes of irritant contact dermatitis are several (highly alkaline) soaps, nickel, detergents, and cleaning products. Common causes for allergic contact dermatitis of the foot and ankle are exposure to poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac, and exposure to dyes used in shoes and sneakers.

Allergic contact dermatitis often occurs when a person buys a new pair of shoes. Dye and other allergens are proffer in high aggregation in new shoes and are most likely to cause a reaction. Treatment for allergic contact dermatitis generally involves using a topical corticosteroid cream and/or an oral antihistamine. In harsh cases, systemic methods such as oral and injectable corticosterioids, antibiotics, and other anti-inflammatory and immunologic agents may be vital.

Avoid the distrusted irritant or allergen. This is occassionally not possible but use of protective clothing, such as gloves, can help. Avoid scratching, as this may cause subaltern infections. Oral antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (benadryl and ben-Allergin) can also alleviate itching.