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Contact Dermatitis

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Contact Dermatitis

In The San Francisco Bay Area

Contact dermatitis Treatment Specialist in the San Francisco Bay Area

At PotozkinMD, our team of experts have multiple approaches to treat contact dermatitis.

What is contact dermatitis?

Contact dermatitis is an itchy, red, and inflamed reaction on the skin due to an irritant or an allergic trigger. Contact dermatitis isn’t contagious or life-threatening, but it can cause a lot of discomfort especially when trying to determine what caused the reaction in the first place.

Type of contact dermatitis

There are two main types of contact dermatitis: 

Irritant contact dermatitis is the most common type and accounts for a little over 80% of all contact dermatitis cases. This type doesn’t involve an allergic reaction by the immune system. This happens when skin cells are damaged by exposure to irritating substances. 

Many things including solvents, bleach, detergent, and over-washing your hands can trigger this type of reaction. When using products or scrubbing with water repeatedly, you are breaking down the barrier to your skin, which allows irritants to trigger the reaction on your skin.

Some people may experience photocontact dermatitis, which means that the allergen exposure to their skin doesn’t cause a reaction until direct sunlight hits their skin. The same can be said to over-exposure of heat after chemicals are exposed to the skin.

Who normally gets contact dermatitis

There are many professions that may make you more prone to contact dermatitis– healthcare workers, cosmetologists, and mechanics for example, handle sometimes harsh chemicals all day and have to routinely scrub their hands. 

Experiencing contact dermatitis on an ongoing basis causes other symptoms besides just an itchy rash. It can negatively affect your overall quality of life. If the condition is not healed or treated well, you could experience blistered and burning skin, trouble sleeping at night, and issues with focusing on tasks.

If your profession is making it hard for your contact dermatitis to heal, and you are consistently experiencing discomfort, it’s important to work with a board-certified dermatologist on a treatment plan. Common treatment approaches may include oral or topical steroids, as well as short-term injection treatments if needed.

Symptoms of contact dermatitis can sometimes mimic other skin conditions, so it’s important to work with your dermatologist to make sure there are no additional abnormalities that go unnoticed.

Allergic contact dermatitis

Allergic contact dermatitis is a delayed allergic reaction that usually appears as a rash a day or two after the skin is exposed to the allergen. The allergen exposure triggers a response in the immune system, and an entire process in the body unfolds before the symptoms appear on your skin. This can make it especially harder to pinpoint the trigger since time has gone by (between your exposure and when the rash develops), and because there are hundreds of potential allergens to rule out.

A common example of this is poison oak– after exposure, the body has an inflammatory response to the plant oils leading to an itchy rash within a couple of days. Fragrances, nickel in products, latex, and certain types of preservatives are also common causes of allergic contact dermatitis.

Preventing future outbreaks for both irritant and allergic contact dermatitis is all about determining what the trigger(s) and then avoiding them completely. Since irritant contact dermatitis usually prompts an immediate reaction, it can usually be a simple process pinpointing what the trigger is.

Because there is a delayed reaction with allergic contact dermatitis, this can sometimes be more complex and time-consuming when it comes to figuring out what the allergen trigger is. 

Your board-certified dermatologist will be able to perform an allergy patch test (or refer you to a patch test specialist), which involves testing different patches on your skin to determine what is causing your skin reaction.

Treating contact dermatitis

Our team will be able to assess the type of contact dermatitis you are experiencing and help you pinpoint the causing trigger. Rest assured that we will be able to ensure you are getting the best treatment plan for your specific case as well as rule out any other skin conditions.

Our Philosophy

“Our practice philosophy is simple — to deliver the very best care we can in the very best way we can. To us, that means we make each and every patient feel welcomed from the moment that they walk in the door until they leave the office. It means that we listen to what the patient has to say and address those concerns. It means we give advice and recommend treatments based on our extensive training with leaders in the field, our wealth of personal experience, and our commitment to excellence. For our cosmetic patients, it means working with the patient to achieve results that look natural, not overdone or exaggerated. It means that we always strive to do the right thing for the patient, as we value very highly ethics, honesty, and integrity. It means we stand behind what we do and will do everything in our power to get the best results we can for the patient. It means we carefully select the highest quality staff to represent us and help us carry out these goals. Lastly and most importantly, it means that we treat the patient the way we would want ourselves to be treated, with respect and kindness. Because at the end of the day, without all of our loyal patients, we wouldn’t have a practice.”

Extremely caring

"He saved my life! Literally! I've been seeing Dr. Potozkin for over 20 years and I wouldn't trust anyone else with my skin. I had melanoma 20 years ago and he took care of me and just recently I had it again. And might have more, but I'm waiting on the results. But if I do, I am confident that Dr Potozkin and his highly trained staff will take care of me. He is the best in his field. Everyone on his staff is so caring and helpful. I feel so comfortable when I'm there. So please, if you have any skin concerns, make an appointment, don't delay, your life may depend on it."

Diane D.
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"Dr. Potozkin is an amiable, thoughtful provider.  His expertise is evidenced by his ability to diagnose and determine the appropriate treatment or options to address the issue at hand.  His staff is always welcoming, friendly and helpful which makes for an overall great experience at each visit.  I highly recommend POTOZKIN MD Skincare Center if you are seeking an outstanding specialist and staff."

Marian O.
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Efficient & Professional

"Dr. Potozkin and his team are the best! My skin issues/problems have drastically improved since I have been coming to this Doctor-over 5, maybe even 10 years. His staff is knowledgeable and friendly. The office is a flagship store that sells my favorite skin repair and healing products- by SkinCeuticals. I don’t live near this office, but I would never go anywhere else even if it’s closer. Absolutely worth the trip. The results are real!"

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to be a SkinCeuticals Flagship location?
As a Flagship center, we carry the complete range of SkinCeuticals products and treatments. When you visit our practice, you gain access to proven skincare solutions and personalized guidance from our expert skin care specialists, ensuring that you receive the most effective and suitable treatments based on your unique needs.

What sets SkinCeuticals apart from other skincare brands?SkinCeuticals stands apart through its scientific approach, integrating research from product inception to formulation packaging. Each product undergoes rigorous medical-grade clinical testing, a testament that distinctly differentiates SkinCeuticals from other cosmeceutical brands.How do I determine which SkinCeuticals products are best for my skin type?Leverage the expertise of our skilled skincare specialists at PotozkinMD to assess your unique skin and requirements. They'll seamlessly recommend the ideal SkinCeuticals products tailored specifically for you.Are SkinCeuticals products suitable for sensitive skin?
SkinCeuticals offers advanced skincare solutions designed for sensitive skin. Our skincare specialists can evaluate your skin and recommend products that are meticulously formulated to calm, soothe, and minimize signs of sensitivity, including the appearance of skin redness.

What role do antioxidants play in SkinCeuticals products?
Antioxidants are the foundation of SkinCeuticals products. Each antioxidant serum offers sophisticated environmental protection, backed by clinical evidence that showcases its ability to enhance the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and foster a naturally balanced skin tone.

Can I combine multiple SkinCeuticals products in my skincare routine?
Absolutely. Discover your foundational regimen during your consultation with one of our skincare specialists. Our team works with you to develop a customized skincare regimen tailored to your needs and goals.

What benefits can I expect from using SkinCeuticals vitamin C products?
SkinCeuticals’ renowned vitamin C products contain powerful ingredients that have been clinically proven to neutralize free radicals, protect against oxidative stress, and offer visible anti-aging benefits.

Do SkinCeuticals products address specific skincare concerns like aging or pigmentation?
We carry the complete SkinCeuticals line, including glycolic acid formulas available in cleansers, serums, toners, or creams. With an array of products, we can tailor a plan that addresses fine lines and wrinkles, blemishes, uneven skin tone and texture, and many other specific skin concerns.

Can SkinCeuticals products be used in conjunction with treatments like chemical peels or microdermabrasion?
SkinCeuticals products are specially formulated to complement cosmetic procedures, including chemical peels, microdermabrasion, laser treatments, and injectables, to protect your skin post-treatment and enhance your results.

Are there any precautions I should take while using SkinCeuticals products?
Consulting with one of our skincare specialists before investing in new skincare products is the best precaution you can take to ensure optimal results and compatibility with your unique skin needs.

How long does it typically take to see results from using SkinCeuticals products?
Consistent use is essential to see results from medical-grade skincare products like SkinCeuticals. Many patients see visible improvements within 4-12 weeks, depending on the specific products used and individual skin conditions.

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