Contact Dermatitis

Description

Contact dermatitis is skin inflammation caused by skin irritation or allergy. It may be due to contact with an irritating substance, such as artificial turf, or by poorly fitting gear, excessive sweat, repeated rubbing of the skin by clothes, or repeated application of adhesive tape. It may also be due to allergens in the environment or on equipment or clothing. Contact dermatitis is not contagious.

Frequent signs and symptoms

• Itching (sometimes)

• Slight redness

• Cracks and fissures in the skin

• In severe cases, bright red weeping areas

• Pain at the affected skin area

Causes

Contact dermatitis is caused by irritants, such as adhesive tape, acids, soaps, or solvents. Other causative agents include nickel in metal snaps, rubber in pads and equipment, epoxy resins and rubber components in shoes, and dyes used in equipment such as hockey gloves. The irritant removes the oil layer from the skin and causes dehydration and shrinking of the surface cells. Irritation from friction between clothing and nipples may cause a type of contact dermatitis called jogger’s nipple.

Factors that increase risk

• Hot weather

• Increased perspiration

• Constant exposure to hot water, soap and detergents, or any irritant that changes the moisture content of skin

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