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Contact Dermatitis: When Symptoms Start And Could End

Contact dermatitis is characterized by inflammatory skin symptoms that appear after touching an irritating substance or an allergen. It can arise hours to days after contact with the trigger, resulting in itchiness, rashes, and blistering.

Recovering from contact dermatitis can take several weeks, and the symptoms can change throughout the healing process. In addition to identifying and avoiding the trigger, a range of home methods, over-the-counter, and prescribed treatments can manage this condition.

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Contact Dermatitis Triggers on Different Body Parts There are two types of contact dermatitis, determined by the trigger, as follows: Irritant contact dermatitis: The most common type, caused by contact with irritating substances and friction, not a true allergy to a substance. Allergic contact dermatitis: This type occurs due to an allergy to certain substances. Various substances can trigger contact dermatitis and affect different body parts. Identifying triggers can help you manage and prevent this reaction. Hands and Feet Common materials—often substances you may work with daily—can trigger contact dermatitis on the hands or feet, including: Cement Certain soaps Disinfectants, harsh cleaners, hand sanitizer Fertilizer or pesticides Gasoline, motor oil Hair dye Irritating chemicals, such as solvents, bleach, detergents, and degreasers Nail polish Nickel or other metals (from rings, bracelets, belt buckles, wristwatches, and buttons) Poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac Preservatives in certain topical medications Rubber or vinyl gloves or boots Topical antibiotics (e.G., neomycin) Face, Head, and Neck Triggers A range of everyday products and materials trigger contact dermatitis on the face, head, or scalp. These include: Balsam of Peru, an ingredient used in certain cosmetics or perfumes Fragrances in perfumes, soaps, moisturizers, shampoos, or facial skincare products Hair dyes and certain hair products Nickel or metals, such as those in necklaces, earrings, or other jewelry Skin adhesives, including those used to attach false eyelashes or hairpieces Genital and Groin Triggers Contact dermatitis can also affect the genitals and skin around the groin due to: Certain fabrics and dyes used in clothing, including underwear Certain soaps, detergents, and solvents Chlorinated water Latex condoms Other Triggers Some triggers cause photoallergic or phototoxic contact dermatitis, meaning symptoms are worsened by sun exposure. After contact, the symptoms arise when the skin is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays in sunlight. Triggers for this type may include: Certain perfumes Certain sunscreens Oil derived from lime skin Products containing coal tar Shaving lotion Sulfa ointment Airborne allergens or irritants can also cause contact dermatitis. These include ragweed, certain types of perfume, nail lacquer vapor, and insecticide spray. It most commonly affects the face, forearms, and hands. How Skin Looks and Feels  An itchy, raised rash is the primary symptom of contact dermatitis, but how this presents varies depending on the trigger, type, and individual case. Symptoms can arise anywhere from several hours to weeks or even months after exposure to the trigger; common signs include: Hives and blisters: Fluid-filled hives (itchy welts) and blisters can form on the rash. These can eventually burst or leak fluid and form crusts. Irritated skin: Patches of dry, irritated, or flaky skin can also arise; irritant contact dermatitis can cause cracking or fissures. Itchiness: In many cases, the first signs of contact dermatitis include itching, burning, stinging, and sensitivity in the affected area. These symptoms can become intense and persist after other symptoms set in. Open sores: Painful, open sores can develop on the rash, leaking fluid and crusting over.  Rash: A raised rash can form on the affected area, often adopting the trigger's shape. A rash from contact dermatitis feels swollen, tender, and hot. It can appear purple, dark brown, or gray on darker skin or red on those with lighter-pigmented skin. Swelling: The affected area becomes very swollen; this is especially common in the face, around the eyes, or groin.   Thickened skin: With chronic contact dermatitis, the skin becomes thickened and rough to the touch.   Genital Symptoms Rashes, swelling, and redness around the groin are common signs of contact dermatitis. In people with a vagina, contact dermatitis of the vulva (the lips around the vagina) causes itchy, irritated, and inflamed skin, sometimes leaking fluid. Long-term cases can progress to vulvodynia (chronic pain) and pain during intercourse or upon touch. When to Initiate Treatment If you are experiencing symptoms of contact dermatitis, it's crucial to identify and remove the trigger. If you can remove the allergen or irritant, the symptoms typically resolve within several weeks of onset. You do not need a diagnosis to start self-care and home remedies for this condition, and many people can manage without medical treatment. That said, you should seek care from your provider in the following cases: Home remedies or treatments are not working Severe skin reactions and symptoms, especially if they disrupt sleep or daily function Symptoms are persistent or get worse Symptoms of infection, such as fever, redness or change in color, warmth, and tenderness   Contact Dermatitis Home Remedies The most important thing you can do to manage contact dermatitis is to avoid the trigger. In addition, the following home remedies can help manage symptoms and prevent them from worsening: Cleanse: Wash the affected area thoroughly to help remove any traces of the trigger on the skin. Use a mild soap and lukewarm water. Avoid scratching: When you scratch skin affected by contact dermatitis, you can spread the allergen or irritant, worsening symptoms. Scratching these areas can also raise the risk of skin infection. Apply a cool compress: Wet a towel with cold water and apply it to the affected areas for 10 to 15 minutes, as needed to manage the itching. Take an oatmeal bath: An oatmeal bath can also relieve itch. Use lukewarm water with a cup of oatmeal, and soak for 10 to 15 minutes. Moisturize: Keeping your skin moisturized helps keep skin healthy and resilient, and it can manage and prevent contact dermatitis. Use a fragrance-free moisturizer, emollient, or skin-barrier repair cream throughout the day, especially after washing or bathing. Make sure your skin reacts well to it; test out anything you use on a small area of skin first. Try medications: A range of topical medications and ointments are available over the counter at drug stores. Examples include calamine lotion, petroleum jelly, or topical corticosteroid anti-itch creams like hydrocortisone (Cortaid or Ala-Cort). Steroid Creams and Symptoms While effective for mild cases of contact dermatitis, corticosteroid creams are only intended for short-term use. If used for a long time, the symptoms can come back or become even worse. These medications may be ineffective against conditions that cause similar symptoms, such as skin infections or scabies. Prescribed Contact Dermatitis Creams You may need prescription-strength topical medications if your symptoms are severe or chronic. Several classes of drugs may help: Calcineurin-inhibitors, such as Elidel (pimecrolimus) and Prograf (tacrolimus) Phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE-4) inhibitors, including Eucrisa (crisaborole) and Lotamilast (DMVT 501) Prescription-strenth corticosteroids like Omipred (prednisone) or Clobex (clobetasol) In severe and persistent cases, your healthcare provider may consider oral corticosteroids to manage symptoms. They may also prescribe injections of immunosuppressant or immunomodulating drugs, such as Xatmep (methotrexate), Neoral (cyclosporine), and Dupixent (dupilumab). Healing in Stages: How Long Does It Take?  Healing from contact dermatitis does not happen overnight. If the trigger is eliminated and avoided, it typically takes two to three weeks for the symptoms to clear completely. Scratching affected areas can prolong your symptoms and lead to complications. If you come into contact with the allergen or irritant again, contact dermatitis comes back. Secondary Complications and Symptoms  Most cases of contact dermatitis are manageable. However, in rare and severe cases, some may experience permanent effects on the skin and complications, including: Lichenified skin: Chronic contact dermatitis or exposure to triggers can cause lichenification, a process in which the skin becomes leathery and thick. Infection: Contact dermatitis can cause skin to break, as can scratching affected areas, allowing bacteria on the skin, such as Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus, to pass through and cause infection. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation: Some people can develop a permanent change in skin color after inflammatory conditions like contact dermatitis or acne. The affected areas become permanently darker than the surrounding skin. Specialists Who Oversee Chronic Contact Dermatitis  Chronic contact dermatitis causes persistent and severe symptoms. In these cases, identifying the trigger and figuring out how to avoid it is often difficult. Your primary care provider may refer you to a specialist. Diagnosis and treatment are usually led by a dermatologist (medical doctor specializing in conditions of the skin, hair, and nails) who can perform allergy testing and guide treatment. Allergists (allergy specialists) and immunologists (doctors who treat conditions affecting the immune system) may also oversee care.    Summary Contact dermatitis is a set of skin symptoms caused by contact with an irritating substance or allergen. It can occur anywhere on the body and cause itchy or painful rashes, blisters, discoloration, swelling, and sores. If the trigger is not present, symptoms typically resolve within three weeks. Identifying and avoiding the cause of contact dermatitis is critical in managing it. Home remedies and topical corticosteroids can manage most symptoms. In more severe cases, healthcare providers can prescribe topical medications. If symptoms persist or become severe, you should get medical help. 9 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. MedlinePlus. Contact dermatitis. American Academy of Dermatology. Eczema types: contact dermatitis. American Academy of Dermatology. Eczema types: contact dermatitis causes. Scheinman PL, Vocanson M, Thyssen JP, et al. Contact dermatitis. Nat Rev Dis Primers. 2021;7(1):38. Doi:10.1038/s41572-021-00271-4 Corazza M, Toni G, Zedde P, Schettini N, Borghi A. Contact dermatitis of the vulva. Allergies. 2021;1(4):206-215. Doi:10.3390/allergies1040019 Abraham A, Roga G. Topical steroid-damaged skin. Indian J Dermatol. 2014;59(5):456-459. Doi:10.4103/0019-5154.139872 Osmosis. Lichenification. MedlinePlus. Skin infections. Al-Qarqaz F, Bodoor K, Baba A, Al-Yousef A, Muhaidat J, Alshiyab D. Post-acne hyperpigmentation: evaluation of risk factors and the use of artificial neural network as a predictive classifier. Dermatol Reports. 2021;13(3):8223. Doi:10.4081/dr.2021.8223 Additional Reading By Mark GurarieGurarie is a freelance writer and editor. He is a writing composition adjunct lecturer at George Washington University.   Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error

How Long Food Poisoning Lasts—and What To Do About Symptoms

How long food poisoning lasts depends on the cause, but most people recover within 12 to 48 hours. Symptoms can last up to more than a week in some people. You may also have more severe and long-lasting complications.

Food poisoning is a condition caused by consuming contaminated foods or beverages. About one out of six people experience some form of food poisoning each year in the United States. Symptoms include diarrhea, fever, nausea, and vomiting.

Food poisoning occurs when you consume something that contains a pathogen, such as bacteria, viruses, or parasites. The pathogen multiplies in your body and causes symptoms like diarrhea, fever, nausea, and vomiting. Food Poisoning vs. Stomach Flu Food poisoning symptoms can resemble common symptoms of other illnesses, like gastroenteritis (the "stomach flu"). Reasons to suspect food poisoning include getting sick after eating improperly stored food or eating food that smelled "off." Another sign is that other people get sick after eating the same food. The definitive way for a healthcare provider to diagnose food poisoning is by testing a stool sample. This lab result can take several days or longer to come back. A healthcare provider may begin treatment before a confirmed diagnosis to prevent the worsening of symptoms. Most people with food poisoning experience one or more of the following symptoms: Diarrhea Fever and chills Nausea Stomach pain Vomiting You might have symptoms specific to the type of infection or intoxication. Symptoms can resemble an allergic reaction, such as a skin rash, headache, and swelling. Scombroid fish poisoning (histamine fish poisoning) is a reaction to fish contaminated with high levels of histamine. The immune system produces these chemicals produced when you're exposed to allergens. Botulism is a severe illness that attacks nerves in the body. Possible sources include fermented foods or foods that weren't canned properly. Infants can get botulism from eating bacteria spores in soil or honey. Symptoms of botulism include: Double or blurred vision Headache Paralysis Ptosis (drooping eyelids) Skin tingling or numbness Slurred speech You'll likely begin feeling better within a few hours or days after symptoms begin. Symptoms might take weeks to resolve or even become life-threatening. When symptoms begin and how long they last depends on the cause. Here are some common organisms and their general timelines:  Organism  Onset  Duration Common Sources Staphylococcus aureus 30 min to 8 hours 24 to 48 hours Foods not cooked after preparation, such as deli meats, cold salads, and pastries Salmonella 6 hours to 6 days 4 to 7 days Raw or undercooked meat and poultry, eggs, raw produce Norovirus 12 to 48 hours 12 to 60 hours Raw produce and shellfish, contaminated drinking water Clostridium botulinum 12 to 72 hours Variable Improperly canned foods Campylobacter jejuni 2 to 5 days 2 to 10 days Raw or undercooked poultry, contaminated drinking water  E. Coli 3 to 4 days 5 to 10 days Raw produce, sprouts, contaminated drinking water Cyclospora cayetanensis 1 to 2 weeks May relapse over weeks or months Raw produce, fresh herbs Listeria 2 weeks Variable Unpasteurized milk, soft cheeses, deli meats, sprouts Symptoms also vary based on your reaction to the pathogen. Certain risk factors can make you more susceptible to food poisoning and increase the likelihood of more severe symptoms. Risk factors include: Adults age 65 and older Infants and children under the age of 5 People who have a weak immune system due to a condition like cancer or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) Pregnant people There are many types of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites, that can cause food poisoning. Some of the most common pathogens include: Campylobacter jejuni Cholera E. Coli Salmonella Shigella Staphylococcus aureus Toxins that are found in some fish or shellfish Yersinia Some of these pathogens can be contagious. You may catch food poisoning from someone if they don't wash their hands after having diarrhea or vomiting and then touch surfaces. You can contract the virus by touching the infected surface and then your eyes, nose, or mouth. Most cases of food poisoning resolve on their own. Symptoms like diarrhea, fever, nausea, and vomiting increase the risk of becoming dehydrated, which can prolong and worsen symptoms. It's important to get plenty of hydration and rest as you recover. Hydrate Dehydration is a common complication of food poisoning. It may occur as a result of diarrhea, fever, or because you feel too sick to drink. Dehydration can prolong symptoms and lead to other complications. Dehydration symptoms include: Darker-colored urine Dizziness Dry mouth or skin Fatigue Severe thirst Sweating Urinating less than usual Infants and children can experience severe dehydration within a few days. Symptoms include tearless crying, significant drowsiness, and irritability. Drink water, diluted fruit juices, sports drinks, and broths to replace lost fluids and electrolytes. Electrolytes are essential minerals, such as calcium, potassium, and sodium, that help the body use fluids and function efficiently. Eat Bland Foods The BRAT diet includes bananas, rice, apples or applesauce, and toast. Bland crackers like saltines are another option. These foods can soothe digestive discomfort and replace electrolytes. Just remember to incorporate nutrient-rich foods back into your diet as symptoms subside. Consider Medications Anti-diarrheal medications like Imodium (loperamide) and Pepto-Bismol (bismuth salicylate) can treat diarrhea. Probiotics, which are helpful gut bacteria, might provide digestive support. Always check with a healthcare provider before taking any supplements. A healthcare provider might suggest an oral rehydration solution (ORS) that contains glucose (sugar) and electrolytes if you have more severe symptoms. A healthcare provider may also prescribe: Antibiotics to treat food poisoning caused by bacteria Antiemetics to alleviate nausea and vomiting Antiparasitics for parasites Reach out to a healthcare provider if you develop: Bloody diarrhea Diarrhea that lasts longer than three days High fever of 102 degrees or greater Signs of dehydration Vomiting so much you can't keep any fluids down Reach out sooner if you or the person you suspect has food poisoning is at a higher risk for complications. You may develop complications from the initial food poisoning that can take weeks or months to resolve. They may even be permanent. Possible complications include brain, nerve, or kidney damage, meningitis, and pregnancy complications. Preparing and storing food safely can help prevent food poisoning. Here are a few steps you can take to keep you and your loved ones safe: Clean: Wash your hands before cooking and whenever they touch raw eggs, seafood, poultry, or meat. Wash fruits and vegetables before consuming, cutting, or cooking them. Wash surfaces and utensils that touch raw meat as soon as possible. Separate: Keep vegetables and raw meat on separate surfaces. Keep cooked food and raw food on separate surfaces. Cook: Use a food thermometer to ensure eggs, seafood, poultry, and meat are cooked to the recommended temperature. Cook meat to at least 140 degrees and poultry to 165 degrees. Refrigerate: Place leftovers in the fridge or freezer as soon as possible. Don't leave perishable foods out for more than two hours. Don't leave foods that could spoil for more than one hour if the temperature outside is above 90 degrees. Most cases of food poisoning are mild and resolve within a week. Other cases are more severe and can lead to complications or even death. Symptoms and severity depend on the cause of food poisoning and your reaction to it. Some people, like young children and adults older than 65, are more susceptible to food poisoning and complications. Practicing good hygiene and safe food preparation and storage can help prevent food poisoning. Reach out to a healthcare provider if you have severe symptoms, especially if you're at a high risk of complications. Thanks for your feedback! 13 Sources Health.Com uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Food and Drug Administration. What You Need to Know about Foodborne Illnesses. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Symptoms of Food Poisoning. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Food poisoning. MedlinePlus. Food poisoning. Switaj TL, Winter KJ, Christensen SR. Diagnosis and management of foodborne illness. Am Fam Physician. 2015;92(5):358-365. Traylor J, Mathew D. Histamine toxicity. In: StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing; 2024.  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Botulism prevention. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Symptoms & causes of food poisoning. MedlinePlus. Botulism. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Definition and Facts of Food Poisoning. MedlinePlus. Infectious diseases. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Treatment for food poisoning. MedlinePlus. Dehydration.

This Recalled Tea Might Be Contaminated With Botulism, So Throw It Out Now

Clostridium botulinum is a dangerous, potentially fatal bacteria that can contaminate foods and drinks. When that happens, manufacturers issue recalls like the massive Lyons Magnus recall from a few months ago that triggered additional recalls. The Chai Box company has now issued a recall of its own for select products that might contain the same Clostridium bacteria. The company discovered that some of the tea drinks might have been under-processed, which contributed to the problem.

Chai Box recall The US Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) press release covering this recall is available at this link. The Chai Box company notes that it was notified of the contamination problem during a process review by the Georgia Department of Agriculture. The chai products listed below might have been under-processed and may contain the Clostridium bacteria as a result. Tech. Entertainment. Science. Your inbox. Sign up for the most interesting tech & entertainment news out there. By signing up, I agree to the Terms of Use and have reviewed the Privacy Notice. 16 oz glass bottles Chai Concentrate Mix, UPC 7 93611 81925 2 64 oz plastic bottles of Chai Concentrate Mix UPC 7 93611 81926 9 16 oz glass bottles Unsweetened Chai Concentrate Mix, UPC 793611819252 64 oz plastic bottles of Unsweetened Chai Concentrate Mix UPC 793611819269 The 16oz and 64oz plastic bottles of Chai products have best-by dates between September 22nd, 2022, and March 16th, 2023. The company shipped them nationwide to consumers, retailers, and wholesalers. The Chai Box explains that the under-processing occurred during the commercial sterilization process. That could lead to contamination by spoilage organisms or pathogens. When consumed, these pathogens can lead to life-threatening illnesses in some cases. Botulism infections Chai Box says it has received no reports of illness associated with the products from this recall. Still, there's a risk of contracting the bacteria if you drink any of the products above. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of foodborne botulism can appear 12 to 36 hours after consuming contaminated products. People might experience the following symptoms: Trouble swallowing or speaking Dry mouth Facial weakness on both sides of the face Blurred or double vision Drooping eyelids Trouble breathing Nausea, vomiting, and stomach cramps Paralysis Moreover, the illness can cause severe complications as the botulinum toxin affects muscles. One immediate severe adverse reaction is the inability to breathe, which can lead to death. Complications also include difficulty speaking, trouble swallowing, long-lasting weakness, and shortness of breath. What you should do The Chai Box advises buyers to return the products in the recall to the place of purchase for a full refund or exchange. Consumers who think they've experienced botulism symptoms should seek urgent care, according to the Mayo Clinic. Quick treatment will increase survival chances and lower the risks of complications. The Chai Box customers who have additional questions about the recall can contact the company. The press release at this link contains contact information and additional images of the four products in the recall. More recall news: This produce might include human waste so check your fridge.




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