Contact Dermatitis Treatment Specialist in Lawrenceville, GA
Allergy & Asthma Center provides effective contact dermatitis treatment in Lawrenceville, GA. Contact dermatitis causes skin irritation, redness, and itching due to allergens or irritants. Our specialists diagnose the cause and provide personalized care to relieve symptoms and prevent future reactions. If you’re experiencing skin irritation or need expert care, visit one of our clinics today. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. Our clinic is located at 565 Old Norcross Rd, Lawrenceville, GA 30046.


Table of Contents:
What is the number one cause of contact dermatitis?
What is contact dermatitis triggered by?
What can be mistaken for contact dermatitis?
How long does contact dermatitis last?
The leading cause of contact dermatitis is exposure to irritants or allergens, which results in skin inflammation. Irritant contact dermatitis occurs when the skin is exposed to substances that disrupt its protective barrier, such as harsh soaps, cleaning products, solvents, or even prolonged exposure to water. This type of dermatitis is more common and can develop after repeated or prolonged exposure to irritants, even if the skin has not been previously sensitive. Symptoms include redness, dryness, itching, and in severe cases, cracking or blistering of the skin.
Allergic contact dermatitis, however, is triggered by an immune system reaction to specific allergens. Common allergens include nickel found in jewelry, fragrances, certain preservatives, latex, or plants like poison ivy, oak, or sumac. Unlike irritant dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis may take several hours or days to appear after exposure, making it harder to identify the cause. Symptoms include redness, itching, swelling, and the development of blisters or a rash in the area of contact.
Both forms of contact dermatitis can be managed by identifying and avoiding the trigger. A healthcare professional can help diagnose the cause through a detailed patient history and, if needed, patch testing to identify specific allergens. Treatment typically includes soothing the skin with moisturizers, using topical corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, and protecting the affected area from further exposure. If you suspect you have contact dermatitis, seeking professional care can help prevent worsening symptoms and provide relief.
• Irritant Contact Dermatitis: This is the most common form and occurs when the skin’s protective barrier is compromised by direct contact with irritants such as harsh chemicals, soaps, detergents, or physical factors like friction and heat. Patients working in environments with frequent exposure to these irritants, such as healthcare, cleaning, or manufacturing, may be at increased risk. We offer guidance on protective measures and skincare routines to help reduce exposure and prevent flare-ups.
• Allergic Contact Dermatitis: This type involves an immune response to allergens, such as metals (nickel, chromium), fragrances, preservatives, and plants like poison ivy. At Allergy & Asthma Center, we provide comprehensive diagnostic services. This allows for personalized treatment plans and recommendations to avoid allergens and minimize symptoms.
• Environmental and Occupational Factors: Changes in temperature and humidity, as well as occupational exposure, can exacerbate contact dermatitis. Our team works closely with patients to identify environmental triggers and offers strategies to protect the skin, such as barrier creams and protective clothing.
• Holistic Management and Prevention: We focus on a holistic approach to managing contact dermatitis. This includes identifying and avoiding triggers, using appropriate skincare products, and providing education on lifestyle modifications. Our goal is to improve our patient’s quality of life by reducing symptoms and preventing future reactions.
Contact dermatitis is a prevalent inflammatory skin condition resulting from direct exposure to irritants or allergens. It typically presents as redness, inflammation, and irritation of the skin. However, several other skin conditions can mimic these symptoms, necessitating an accurate diagnosis for effective treatment. Below, we explore conditions often mistaken for contact dermatitis and highlight our approach to identifying and managing these issues:
• Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema): Commonly seen in our practice, atopic dermatitis is a chronic condition that overlaps with contact dermatitis symptoms like redness, itching, and scaling. Our specialists consider genetic factors, environmental triggers, and typical affected areas such as the elbows, knees, and hands for precise diagnosis and treatment.
• Psoriasis: Psoriasis can resemble contact dermatitis but is distinguished by its autoimmune nature, leading to thick, red, scaly patches. Our approach includes evaluating the presence of silvery scales and typical locations such as the elbows, knees, and scalp to differentiate it from contact dermatitis.
• Drug Reactions: Skin rashes from medication reactions can resemble contact dermatitis. We conduct thorough reviews of patients’ medication histories to identify potential drug-related causes.
• Photodermatitis: This sunlight-induced condition can cause symptoms similar to contact dermatitis. We investigate potential medication or chemical triggers that increase skin sensitivity to sunlight.
• Heat Rash: In hot, humid environments, sweat duct blockage can mimic the symptoms of contact dermatitis.
• Allergic Contact Dermatitis: A key focus at our center, allergic contact dermatitis is a delayed allergic reaction to specific allergens. We offer patch testing to identify allergens and guide personalized management plans.
• Irritant Contact Dermatitis: A rapid response to harsh irritants, this condition is a non-allergic reaction that we can quickly differentiate from other causes through patient history and exposure analysis.
• Autoimmune Conditions: Skin changes from autoimmune conditions like lupus can mimic contact dermatitis.
The duration and severity of contact dermatitis can vary widely based on individual skin sensitivity and the nature of the allergen or irritant. Our specialists at Allergy & Asthma Center are skilled in pinpointing these triggers through comprehensive allergy testing and evaluation. By accurately identifying the cause, we can help expedite your recovery and prevent future episodes.
Treatment is essential in managing contact dermatitis effectively. We offer advanced care options, including personalized treatment plans that may involve topical corticosteroids, moisturizers, and protective measures to shield your skin from further irritation. We emphasize the importance of proper skin care, advising on gentle cleansing and moisturizing routines to support healing and reduce the risk of recurrence.
Chronic exposure to certain allergens can lead to recurring episodes of contact dermatitis. Therefore, our team is committed to educating you on how to avoid these triggers and manage symptoms effectively. If you experience severe or persistent symptoms, our healthcare professionals are here to provide a thorough diagnosis and guide you through an appropriate treatment plan.
At Allergy & Asthma Center, your skin health and comfort are our priorities. If you are struggling with contact dermatitis, we encourage you to consult with our experienced team for expert care and guidance tailored to your needs. Our board-certified allergists are ready to help you manage your asthma & allergy symptoms. You can either book an appointment on our website or you can call us! Our Lawrenceville clinic is located at 565 Old Norcross Rd. We serve patients from Moon Place Rd, Hewatt Rd SW, Dacula, GA.

Additional Allergy & Asthma Services
▸ Allergy Shots
▸ Allergy Testing
▸ Asthma
▸ Bronchodilators
▸ Drug Allergy
▸ Food Allergy
▸ Insect Allergy
▸ Nasal/Sinus Allergies
▸ Pediatric Allergy
▸ Pediatric Asthma
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▸ Spring Allergies