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 This disease most often develops unexpectedly and at first glance for no reason. But this is only at first glance. Analyzing the medical history of this or that patient, you are often convinced that he himself, through ignorance or negligence, contributed to the development of the disease.
I remember a young woman who came to the reception, covering her face with a handkerchief.
“What a misfortune,” she began, “you can't go anywhere! See how ugly it is?
The skin of the patient's forehead, neck and eyelids was bright red, swollen, strewn with small nodules, vesicles. The woman complained of itching, burning, and pain. She said that she recently dyed her hair. And after a few hours, the skin turned red and inflamed.
- Is it not dangerous for others? The woman asked. - I have a little daughter, husband.
I calmed her down. She explained that dermatitis is not contagious, that it arose as a result of direct skin contact with an irritating agent, in this case paint.
- Really? If I had known, I would not have painted. What to do now?
- Don't use paint anymore. If you continue to dye your hair with this dye, the disease will recur again.
Dermatitis is considered contact when it occurs as a result of exposure to the skin of chemical, mechanical irritants. Skin inflammation is also common in those who wear uncomfortable, tight shoes and clothing. In people who are obese, prone to sweating, dermatitis often occurs on the contact surfaces of the thighs, under the armpits, and in women - also under the mammary glands, especially if the bra is tight.
Distinguish between acute and chronic dermatitis. Acute, as a rule, develops even from a single exposure to the skin of a strong irritant and passes without a trace after contact with this irritant is eliminated. And prolonged exposure to less aggressive irritating factors causes a chronic process. At the same time, although the inflammatory phenomena are less pronounced, they eventually lead to significant changes in the skin. This is how dermatitis occurs under the influence of cold. This disease affects those working outdoors or in poorly heated rooms, especially those who have to wet their hands in cold water or other liquids.At first, their skin becomes slightly rough, and then reddens Over time, it acquires a bluish-red color, becomes covered with cracks.
Probably few of those who like to fry in the sun have managed to avoid sunburn. People with thin, sensitive skin sometimes pay for the desire to tan quickly with the appearance of dermatitis. After healing, the skin remains variegated for a long time, with areas of pigmentation.
People working outdoors and exposed to prolonged exposure to sun and wind have chronic solar dermatitis.
By the localization of dermatitis, doctors can almost accurately determine what is causing it. So, for example, a linear rash on the skin suggests that this is contact dermatitis and is caused by a plant touching this area. Sometimes the outline of the redness on the skin resembles a leaf of a particular plant.
People with complaints of redness and pain in the area of the legs, thighs, and trunk come to us mainly in spring and summer. And it almost always turns out that the patient had spent the day before the city, on the banks of a river or lake, lying on the grass in a bathing suit.
Experts already know more than 100 plants that can cause the so-called meadow dermatitis. Plants such as nettle, caustic buttercup, croton are dangerous for everyone. Others, in particular primrose, can cause dermatitis only with prolonged contact, and even then not in every person.
Many substances that have to be dealt with at work and in everyday life cause skin damage if used without taking the necessary precautions. Strong acids, alkalis, salts of alkali metals, mineral acids, for example, cause a deep chemical burn - necrosis of the skin and underlying soft tissues. And weak aqueous solutions of these substances, with prolonged contact, cause dry skin, its peeling, thickening, and the appearance of painful cracks. In such cases, they talk about chronic dermatitis.
Turpentine, potassium salts, formalin, phenol also require careful handling, as they can also cause dermatitis, although not in all people.
Of the paints, Ursol is the most dangerous. It is sometimes used by women for coloring eyebrows and eyelashes. As a result, some have swollen and inflamed eyelids. With repeated use of Ursol, inflammation can spread to the skin of the face. Dermatitis is also seen in some people who wear ursol-dyed fur hats or collars.
It is no coincidence that I spoke in such detail about the causes of contact dermatitis, a disease that causes a lot of trouble. It can be avoided if you strictly follow the rules for working with acids, alkalis and other chemicals, use household chemicals according to the instructions attached to them, dress for the weather in hot and cold weather and do not neglect skin care. But since it was not possible to protect yourself, do not rely on yourself, for advice and help, contact only a doctor!
L. Ya.Trofimova
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