http://eczematreatmentcare.com/46/what-is-the-difference-between-allergic-contact-dermatitis-and-irritant-contact-dermatitis/ All you need to know about types, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment for eczema Sat, 23 Jan 2010 10:16:24 -0600 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.5 hourly 1 http://eczematreatmentcare.com/46/what-is-the-difference-between-allergic-contact-dermatitis-and-irritant-contact-dermatitis/comment-page-1/#comment-184 ilovesno Mon, 16 Nov 2009 20:40:38 +0000 http://eczematreatmentcare.com/46/what-is-the-difference-between-allergic-contact-dermatitis-and-irritant-contact-dermatitis/#comment-184 irrant contact dermatitis is inflammation of the skin typically manifested by erythema, mild edema, and scaling. allergic dermatitis is a reaction by the body's immune system to a substance. so the first one i listed is with the skin and the second i listed is with the immune system! irrant contact dermatitis is inflammation of the skin typically manifested by erythema, mild edema, and scaling.
allergic dermatitis is a reaction by the body’s immune system to a substance.
so the first one i listed is with the skin and the second i listed is with the immune system!

]]> http://eczematreatmentcare.com/46/what-is-the-difference-between-allergic-contact-dermatitis-and-irritant-contact-dermatitis/comment-page-1/#comment-183 ratlover Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:20:11 +0000 http://eczematreatmentcare.com/46/what-is-the-difference-between-allergic-contact-dermatitis-and-irritant-contact-dermatitis/#comment-183 'Irritant' indicates that the skin has been damaged by contact with something that directly harmed it, e.g. a chemical. 'Allergic' indicates that the skin was damaged due to an overreaction by the body's immune system, e.g. contact with grass or hay. It is very difficult to tell the difference between the two by looking at them, a biopsy may tell more. Treatment is usually very similar. Frankly, a skin condition that is first diagnosed as contact dermatitis often is eventually diagnosed as atopy, or an allergy that manifests itself in a place on the body that is NOT in contact with the allergen, ironically. Most commonly seen are food allergies or inhalant allergies (dust, pollen, etc). Some dogs have trouble with pollen both by inhaling it and with direct contact. Regardless, the trouble shows on their skin, whereas humans with 'hay fever' show respiratory signs. Is Brandon itchy? If not, it very well may be contact dermatitis; if he is, he may have allergies that will need further workup. I'm assuming the vet checked for mites as well. Best wishes to you and your poor pup! ‘Irritant’ indicates that the skin has been damaged by contact with something that directly harmed it, e.g. a chemical. ‘Allergic’ indicates that the skin was damaged due to an overreaction by the body’s immune system, e.g. contact with grass or hay.
It is very difficult to tell the difference between the two by looking at them, a biopsy may tell more. Treatment is usually very similar.
Frankly, a skin condition that is first diagnosed as contact dermatitis often is eventually diagnosed as atopy, or an allergy that manifests itself in a place on the body that is NOT in contact with the allergen, ironically. Most commonly seen are food allergies or inhalant allergies (dust, pollen, etc). Some dogs have trouble with pollen both by inhaling it and with direct contact. Regardless, the trouble shows on their skin, whereas humans with ‘hay fever’ show respiratory signs. Is Brandon itchy? If not, it very well may be contact dermatitis; if he is, he may have allergies that will need further workup. I’m assuming the vet checked for mites as well. Best wishes to you and your poor pup!

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