ENVIRONMENTAL DERMATOLOGY

Dermatology means everything from the epidermis to the hair, nails and scalp. Environmental dermatology specializes in the evaluation and management of skin diseases related to the environment specifically diseases that maybe caused by chemicals that a patient is exposed to - contact dermatitis. Contact dermatitis is a localized rash or irritation of the skin due to exposure of the skin to allergens or irritants in the environment. There are 2 types of contact dermatitis : (1) irritant dermatitis and allergen dermatitis.

Irritant dermatitis is when an irritation occurs in the patient from exposure to a substance that would cause inflammation in most if not at all individuals.

Allergen dermatitis is when an allergic reaction is specific to the individual and to a substance callerd an allergen.

An allergy is oversensitivity to a particular substance. Areas of skin that are in contact with the allergen usually develop a rash, which disappears once a patient avoids contact with the substance. A "patch test" the application of amall amounts of different types of possible allergens to the skin under adhesive tape (patches) and placed on the patient's back, can help identify the allergen. After 48 hours, the patient returns to the dermatologist as the doctor can see which allergens have caused aggravation.

Case 1.
A man who had severe skin rashes all over his body that could not be explained.

After a patch test was conducted, it was discovered that he was severely allergic to different types of metal. He was then advised to slowly remove metal from his daily life. Unfortunately, the rashes did not subside. Then he remembered a former injury he had that required a metal implant in his elbow. This was removed and tested. They learned that this was the cause of his severe rashes.

Case 2.
A man had skin irritation on the left neck area.

After testing, it was discovered that he was allergic to substances found in hair dye. But he claimed he never used hair dye but the his wife regularly did. This explained why his rashes were in the neck area as this was where his wife regularly rested his head.

BE AWARE, this allows us to be more aware of our environment and more in tune with our bodies.