Allergic and Irritant Contact Dermatitis of the Scalp
Many suffer from allergic and irritant contact dermatitis every year. It is characterized as inflammatory, itchy condition that is caused by the skin’s reaction after contact with external agents. Some agents that cause allergic and irritant contact dermatitis vary from household products like detergents, to personal care products such as perfumes and beauty products.
Allergic and Irritant contact dermatitis of the scalp is a hair and scalp disease that is caused by hair dyes or other hair-care products such as hair tonics, hair straighteners, permanent wave lotions and others. They are the external agents that usually cause the allergic and irritant contact dermatitis of the scalp. Manufacturers of hair-care products make every effort to eliminate any irritating and harmful ingredients from their products but there are some people who have skin that is sensitive to some sensitizing agents. Home-made products which are not safely tested like lye-based hair straighteners can be a factor for causing contact dermatitis.
Irritant contact dermatitis of the scalp is characterized by irritation, redness and tenderness and burning sensation right after contact with the nuisance agent. The condition usually gets better after removal of irritant but severe and continual inflammation may result in temporary and permanent hair loss. Constant and unrelenting dermatitis should be given attention and should be treated by a physician.
This type of hair and scalp disease has changing presentations from mild scalp inflammation to constant eczema and association beyond the scalp swelling and inflammation of the neck and face. Allergic contact dermatitis can continue for several days to weeks after the pulling out of the allergic agent. Medical treatment is necessary if symptoms of allergic contact dermatitis persist.