About Allergic Contact Dermatitis Treatment Services
When a rash keeps returning and you can’t figure out why, the answer is often something your skin touches every day.
At Charleston Dermatology, our physicians and providers work to identify the exact substance causing your reaction. That may include patch testing, a painless in-office test that checks your skin against dozens of common allergens, from metals and fragrances to preservatives and rubber compounds.
Treatment plans are built around your skin, not a one-size-fits-all routine, and may include prescription topical steroids to calm the rash, oral medications for severe flares, and a personalized avoidance plan once your trigger is identified. Relief starts with finding the cause. Schedule a visit and let our team build a plan that actually works for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is allergic contact dermatitis?
Allergic contact dermatitis is a delayed allergic reaction that happens when your immune system responds to a substance touching your skin. The rash is typically red, itchy, and sometimes blistered, and it usually appears one to three days after contact, which can make the trigger hard to pinpoint.
What causes allergic contact dermatitis?
Common culprits include nickel (in jewelry, belt buckles, and snaps), fragrances, preservatives in skincare products, hair dye, rubber and latex, adhesives, and plants like poison ivy. You can develop a new allergy to a product you’ve used for years, so a long history with a product doesn’t rule it out.
How is allergic contact dermatitis treated?
The first step is calming the rash, usually with prescription topical steroids. The long-term fix is identifying and avoiding your trigger, which is where patch testing comes in. Once we know what’s causing the reaction, we’ll give you a list of products that are safe for your skin so you can shop with confidence.