Patient with Allergic Contact Dermatitis on his palms

What is Allergic Contact Dermatitis?

Allergic contact dermatitis is a skin condition caused by a reaction to a contact allergen. The reaction does not occur upon first contact but after a second or repeated exposure over time to the same allergen. Common contact allergens include ingredients in fragrance and cosmetics; preservatives; rubber; plants; nickel, gold, and other metals; and many others. Allergic contact dermatitis can take many forms: a red, itchy rash; dry and cracked or scaly skin; bumps, blisters and lesions; and swelling and tenderness. Once you have developed allergic contact dermatitis, it is likely to recur. A personal or family history of other allergies may increase your chance of developing this skin condition.

The most effective treatment for allergic contact dermatitis begins with identifying the substance that has caused your rash and then avoiding it. In some cases, such as with poison ivy, diagnosis may be straightforward. In others, allergy patch testing may be required to determine which specific allergen is causing your dermatitis. With strict avoidance of the allergenic substance, healing may take several weeks or longer. To treat your symptoms while your skin recovers, you may be prescribed corticosteroids, anti-inflammatory agents, antihistamines, barrier creams, and moisturizers, as well as medicated shampoos and oral medications.
The expert team at Saguaro Dermatology is experienced in diagnosing the many causes of allergic contact dermatitis, and we are a leading proponent and provider of patch testing. Once a diagnosis has been made, we provide personalized consultation and customized educational materials on allergen avoidance and skin care.

Wondering about the costs related to patch testing?

Saguaro Dermatology, located in central Phoenix (just south of the Biltmore/Arcadia area and north of Tempe) offers Patch Testing. Patch testing is the only medical test that can identify a delayed allergy.

Saguaro Dermatology Reviews

Itaro Elaisa
Itaro Elaisa

“I totally recommend this place to anyone who’s looking for a dermatologist who’s professional, informative, respectful and very helpful. They are quick to solve your problems and get you home.”

Wendy L.

I had an awesome experience with Dr Hamann and staff. I was very comfortable and i was able to have all my questions answered without feeling rushed. The staff was courteous and welcoming.

Kristin Ulrich-Uhles
Kristin U

“Dr Dathan and the team were very helpful, kind and knowledgeable. Plus, there was no wait time so I was able to get back to work faster than expected. I would highly recommend.”

Robert P.

Staff was friendly, & on time. office is super clean!! Doctor was awesome, felt like a family member taking care of me.

Amanda C.

Great doctor and friendly, professional staff. The doctor spends time listening and answering questions, something rare to find anymore. The office is beautiful and very clean. I love all the artwork with saguaros.

Sally Shepstead
Sally S.

“Very friendly and professional. I had a great experience, Dr. Hamann was very good at answering my questions and concerns. I will certainly come back for another visit.”
Kylin Chen
Kylin L.

“The office was recently renovated–it is a beautiful, clean, and calm environment. I would highly recommend this practice for anyone who is looking for a general dermatologist.”

L

Dr. Hamann is very knowledgeable, nice, and professional. You can tell that he truly cares about his patients by the way he operates. He took the time to listen to all of my concerns then address them with good, well-informed answers.

Saguaro Dermatology | Phoenix Dermatology

About Saguaro Dermatology

Our comprehensive dermatology clinic is dedicated to providing you with the highest quality of care, innovative practices, helpful resources and state-of-the-art technology to prevent and treat a multitude of skin disorders. Led by Carsten R. Hamann, MD, PhD, Dathan Hamann, MD, FAAD, Michael McBride, DO, Millard Thaler, MD, Mohs Surgeon and Jenna Wald, MD, Mohs Surgeon, our passionate team looks forward to serving you with respect and compassion.

Contact Our Team Today:
Set up an appointment with our friendly staff at: 480.681.3300