Contact Dermatitis

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Overview

Duke dermatologists diagnose and treat contact dermatitis, a skin inflammation, irritation, or allergic reaction that occurs following exposure to a specific substance. The reaction can result from contact with everyday items like shampoo, clothing, cosmetics, jewelry, and gloves, or it can result from substances you're exposed to in your workplace. We use the latest techniques to identify the cause of your allergic reaction. Our goal is to determine the cause of your condition, relieve your symptoms, and help you prevent future outbreaks.

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Treatments for Contact Dermatitis

Prevention

Description

The most effective treatment for contact dermatitis is to avoid the substances that trigger your skin reaction. Our doctors will talk to you about the substances that irritate your skin or cause an allergic reaction and help you determine the best steps for avoiding them. If you have a contact allergy, we will provide a detailed “safe list” of products you can use.

Topical and Systemic Relief

Description

Skin irritations resulting from contact dermatitis may be treated with:

Anti-itch medicines and moisturizers to relieve the itching and allow your skin to heal
Prescription cortisone creams, which alleviate difficult-to-treat rashes
Immunosuppressants, which decrease your allergic response

Our Locations

Duke Health offers locations throughout the Triangle. Find one near you.

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Tests for Contact Dermatitis

Physical Exam

Description

The doctor checks your skin’s appearance and does a thorough evaluation of your potential exposure to irritants or allergens in your home, at work, or in other environments you visit frequently.

Skin Patch Testing

Description

Identifies the source of allergic skin reaction, especially if you experience repeated and long-lasting occurrences of contact dermatitis. Small amounts of potential allergens are applied to adhesive patches, which are typically placed on your back. Your skin’s reaction to the substances is examined for possible allergies over several days. For your convenience, we usually perform patch testing during your first visit. The week-long patch test process typically involves three visits to our office.

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855-855-6484

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Why Choose Duke

Content

Advanced Expertise in Diagnosis and Management of Contact Dermatitis
Our dermatologists are among a small number in the U.S. with advanced experience in contact dermatitis and patch testing.

Wide Range of Allergen Testing
We use skin patch testing to identify the source of your allergic reaction and test for a wider range of substances than most medical centers. Our patch tests include cosmetic additives, fragrances, metals, and other unusual allergens. We tailor the patch test to fit your lifestyle by testing products you are regularly exposed to at home, at work, and in other environments you visit frequently. We perform standard comprehensive, pediatric, implant, and photo patch testing.

Consistently Ranked Among the Nation’s Best Hospitals

Duke University Hospital is proud of our team and the exceptional care they provide. They are why we are once again recognized as the best hospital in North Carolina, and nationally ranked in 11 adult and 9 pediatric specialties by U.S. News & World Report for 2022–2023.

Reviewed: 06/15/2020