3. Laundry Detergent
Although many patients and healthcare providers blame laundry detergent for contact dermatitis, it’s actually a relatively unusual cause. Some people have a reaction to ingredients such as added fragrance, preservatives, enzymes, bleaches, and dyes, which are found in detergent, dishwashing soap, and other cleaning products.
4. Wrinkle-Resistant Fabrics
You probably already know that formaldehyde is bad for you, but you may be surprised to learn that formaldehyde could be lurking in your clothes. The preservative is used in clothing items that are designed to be wrinkle- or perspiration-resistant.
5. Dust
Airborne irritants such as dust can trigger contact dermatitis, Green says. While it can be tough to avoid dusty environments, you can take a proactive approach to prevent a reaction. Green suggests applying a moisturizer containing ceramides, which will act as a barrier to protect the skin from allergens.
6. Latex Gloves
You won’t necessarily see a reaction immediately from latex gloves. It can take years of touching a certain substance or material for an allergy to develop. For instance, if you work in a hospital and wear latex gloves for most of the day, you may eventually notice your hands becoming itchy and inflamed. That’s the result of your body developing an allergy to the gloves.
7. Metal on Your Jeans and Keys
As far as allergies go, nickel allergies are relatively common, estimated to affect more than 18 percent of people in North America.
But nickel is hard to avoid. It’s everywhere — in jewelry, eyeglasses, coins, and keys, to name just a few places. Even the metal buttons and snaps on your jeans can cause a reaction. If you suspect that nickel may be an irritant for you, replace the fasteners or cover them to keep your skin from coming into direct contact with the metal.
8. Your Manicure
Are perfectly manicured nails worth the risk of developing swollen, blistering skin? Acrylic nails (and gel nails, too) have been linked to contact dermatitis on the fingertips and eyelids. It’ll usually start with itchiness in the nail bed, which may then become dry and thickened. In most cases, the nails will rebound after you stop using these products.
A Final Word on Identifying the Cause of Your Contact Dermatitis Rash
It’s important to remember that the rash of contact dermatitis does not necessarily mean you have an allergy. Often, avoiding the product will clear away the rash. If you’re not seeing relief and the rash continues or gets worse, check with your dermatologist, who can recommend skin allergy testing, including patch testing, to find the exact trigger.
The Takeaway
- People who work with harsh chemicals or wash their hands often are more likely to get contact dermatitis.
- Triggers such as nickel and preservatives can be found in some unexpected places, like keys or shampoo.
- Talk with your doctor if you have a skin rash you can’t explain.