Skin Reactions Are Commonly Caused By Cosmetics

Contact dermatitis is a condition whereby the skin becomes inflamed, red and painful after direct contact with a foreign substance. There are two types of contact dermatitis such as allergic dermatitis and irritant dermatitis, of which irritant dermatitis is the most common. This type of dermatitis is mainly caused by a person coming into contact with alkaline substances such as solvents, detergents, soaps, fabric softeners and other such harsh chemicals as well as contact with acids. The reaction caused by these substances resembles burns. There are various other irritants such as hair dyes, pesticide and weed killers, cement, over exposure to wet diapers, shampoos and rubber gloves such as latex glover can cause allergic dermatitis when a person has become allergic or overly sensitive to such products.

Although people may not initially have a reaction to such chemicals and substances at first, however, after regular use the products may cause a reaction and sensitivity and will require a special skin care treatment either obtained over the counter or from a dermatologist. Many people develop common allergens to topical antibiotics, adhesives, cosmetic products, foods and drinks, clothing fabrics, permanent wave solutions, nail polish and hair dyes, metal zips, metals or nickel found in jewellery, plant allergies to poison oak and ivy and other such plant materials as well as latex and rubber shoes and gloves. Many women develop allergies to moisturizers, perfumes and fragrances as well as soaps and cosmetics. When people develop photosensitivity, this can cause an allergic reaction to certain skin care products which include coal tar products, sunscreens, sulpha ointments, shaving lotions and other such products. Contact dermatitis can also be caused by airbo
e allergens that include insecticide sprays and ragweed. Depending on the cause the symptoms will vary and will also depend if the dermatitis has been caused by an irritant or an allergic reaction. And on occasion the symptoms may vary in a particular person. One may develop an allergic reaction after several months of being exposed to certain substances or a reaction may occur suddenly.

The most common site for contact dermatitis to occur is on the hands. Skin reactions on the face in particular are commonly caused by cosmetics, hair dyes and perfumes. A common symptom is itchy skin which can become extremely severe and contact dermatitis caused by an irritant can cause pain and a burning sensation. Red streaky patches as well as patch rashes are common symptoms with either weeping blisters or red bumps which are tender and warm. The affected area can also become thickened, scaly and raw and irritant dermatitis can become red and dry with rough skin and may become inflamed long term.