Allergic & Irritant Contact Dermatitis

Allergic contact dermatitis occurs in dogs as a hypersensitivity reaction to certain molecules in the pet environment. Irritant contact dermatitis results when the skin is exposed to harmful substances in the environment. The symptoms and biological mechanisms of these two diseases are similar, they are often together.

What is allergic contact dermatitis?

Allergic contact dermatitis is a rare disease, which occurs when an animal skin overreacts to certain small molecules in the environment. Substances which may cause allergic contact dermatitis certain antibiotic on the skin; Metals such as nickel; Materials such as rubber or wool; And chemicals such as dyes and carpet deodorizing.

What is irritant contact dermatitis?

Irritant contact dermatitis occurs when the skin is exposed to highly irritating chemicals such as poison ivy juice and salt on the road.

How do these two diseases?

Allergic contact dermatitis affects only the animals with a hypersensitivity to the molecule. Irritant contact dermatitis would make any dog that is exposed to the irritant.

Allergic dermatitis requires multiple exposures to the molecule before it develops. It rarely occurs in animals that are less than two years old. Irritant contact dermatitis occurs often in the inquisitive young animals, which are things they should not.

What are the symptoms of allergic and irritant contact dermatitis?

Lesions appear generally to the areas of skin, the hair thin and directly to the offending molecules. This often means the back of the legs, abdomen, snouts, and the lips. The affected areas are very red, have small dents or vesicles (blister-like lesions), and itching. In irritant contact dermatitis ulcers can occur.

How are allergic and irritant contact dermatitis diagnosed?

The history and physical examination can often indicate what is going on. To isolate the allergen (molecule leads to eczema), the exclusion are often studies. In these studies, the animal is confined to a room without carpet and held off the grass, for example. If the animal is the condition improves, potential allergens are introduced slowly one by one.

A ‘Patch’ test can also be performed. In this test, a small amount of allergen is rubbed on the skin, or a gauze pad with the suspected allergen is bandaged on the skin of animals. The skin is used for 2-5 days for a response.

How are the animals with allergic or irritant contact dermatitis managed?

The key to meeting this requirement is the removal or restriction of exposure to the allergen or irritant contact in the pet environment. If this is not possible, then fatty acids, antihistamines, biotin, and current shampoos can be used to the itching.

As a general rule for all animals suspected of having an allergy problem, which could also be a component of allergic contact, we recommend:

* Glass or stainless steel food and water bowls, rinsed and cleaned daily and

* Antiallergenes cleaners for the animals is bedding

* Routine hypoallergenic shampoos for the animals to remove allergens

* The restriction on foot or sidewalks paved surfaces - grass avoid

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