Contact allergy

Contact allergy

What is a contact allergy?

Contact allergy is an allergy to substances that make contact with the skin. This allergy can also cause eczema, then we are referring to allergic contact eczema. Allergic contact eczema occurs with people who have become hypersensitive to certain substances. Developing an allergy to a specific substance usually requires repeated exposure over a period ranging from a few weeks to years.
The most characteristic feature of allergic contact eczema is that the skin reacts to where contact with the allergen has occurred.

How do you get a contact allergy?

There are numerous substances that can cause contact allergy, and this varies from person to person. Common substances are base metals such as nickel, fragrances in perfumes and preservatives in cosmetics. Other common allergens are rubber components, adhesives, medicines and certain plants and flowers.

Treating contact allergy at MC Wetering

Patch tests

Treatment of a contact allergy begins with identifying the responsible substance(s) through patch tests. A contact allergy test, also known as patch tests, is carried out to determine which substances a person is allergic to. During the test, small amounts of suspected substances are applied to the patient’s back and covered with plasters. After 48 hours, the patches are removed and we check whether a reaction occurs, such as redness, swelling or itching. Positive reactions indicate which substances the patient is allergic to, which helps in avoiding them and establishing a treatment plan.

Treatment

Once it has been determined what you are allergic to, treatment can begin. Treatment consists mainly of avoiding the substance you are allergic to. After all, prevention is better than curing.