Common Contact Allergens

Contact allergens are substances that cause an allergic reaction in the form of a skin rash. Allergic contact dermatitis is another name for the skin's reaction to these allergens. Symptoms include redness, itching or blisters on the contact site. Some allergens may begin to have an adverse effect immediately; others occur after years of contact. A patch test performed by a dermatologist can determine which allergen is causing the adverse reactions.

Fragrances, Skin Care and Dyes

• Lotions, cosmetics, perfumes and cleaning products can be contact allergens and cause dermatitis. This can occur due to several different components that may trigger the reaction. These items may have fragrance chemical compounds that cause the allergy. Preservatives are also used in perfumes and cosmetics so they will not spoil; these preservatives set off the reaction for some. For others, it may be the lanolin that is used in lotions and skin care products. Hair dye affects people with a sensitivity to paraphenylene-diamine. Patch tests on skin should always be done before using hair dye.

Nickel

• Nickel is commonly used in jewelry that is plated, meaning a thin layer of gold or silver is applied to a piece of jewelry made of nickel. For those with a sensitivity to nickel, this layer is not enough to hinder a reaction of dermatitis. The area of skin in contact with the jewelry with grow red and will most likely be itchy. This reaction may occur with earrings, rings or bracelets, jewelry pressing against the skin for long periods of time. Buckles, zippers and buttons containing nickel may also cause a reaction.

Rubber

• Rubber that comes into contact with the skin can trigger allergic contact dermatitis. Chemicals are added to rubber, especially latex, that can trigger redness, itching or burning, even hives, watery eyes and respiratory troubles in some cases. This reaction often affects those who wear tight rubber gloves in their work, such and medical and dental workers. Vinyl gloves sometimes work as a substitute. Rubber and latex are also commonly found in undergarments like bras and girdles. Women who have a reaction to this should wear items with spandex instead.

Plants

• Coming into contact with certain plants is a common cause of allergic contact dermatitis. These plants include poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac. These plants affect a great number of people who touch them and produce a rash that is red, with a small line of blisters on the skin. To treat a reaction like this, or any dermatitis reaction, a dermatologist will likely apply a topical steroid cream, an antihistamine or possibly inject the patient with a corticosteroid.