Contact dermatitis: aspects of etiology, clinical evolution and the treatment

Abstract

Introduction: Contact dermatitis is a type of skin inflammation. It results from exposure to allergens (allergic contact dermatitis) or irritants (irritant contact dermatitis). Phototoxic dermati-tis occurs when the allergen or irritant is activated by sunlight. Contact dermatitis occurs twice as frequently in women as in men and often starts at a young age, with a prevalence of 15% in 12-16 years old. Purpose and Objectives: Studying the aspects of etiology, clinical evolution and the treatment of contact dermatitis. Materials and methods: The study was conducted on a sample of 334 patients with contact dermatitis, hospitalized in IMSP Hospital Dermatology and Communicable Diseases during January 2013 — December 2013. Results: In the study was revealed the predominance of contact dermatitis in women - 208 patients (63%) as in men - 166 patients (37%), ratio N№=1:1,65. The maximum number of cases refers to the age group 13-21 years (23,65%) and 51-65 years (20,36%), this is probably linked to the association of contact dermatitis with concomitant skin diseases characteristic for these groups (acne vulgaris, rozacea). Was observed the predominance in all age groups the drug reactions - 200 cases (59,88%). Cosmetic use (decorative cosmetics, creams, masks etc.) - 59 cases (17,66%) results in the appearance contact dermatitis in women after 13 years and is rare in children. Various chemicals - 11 cases (3,29%), disinfectants - 4 cases (1,20%), detergents - 6 cases (1,8%), contact with plants - 18 cases (5,39%) have a smaller share in the etiology of contact dermatitis. The majority of patients had localized skin process (72%) with skin rush in the form of papules and macules. The main subjective symptom is the itching - 311 cases (93%). Therapeutic success of contact dermatitis is the identification and discontinuation of contact with substance, desensitization therapy, antihistamines preparations and appropriate topical aplications. Conclusion: The contact dermatitis is a pathology with an increased incidence and prevalence. Is necessary as early as possible to recognize the disease and to identify the etiological agent. Timely and adequate treatment will improve the quality of life of patients and reduce the number of relapses of the contact dermatitis.