$Unique_ID{BRK00791}
$Pretitle{Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue}
$Title{Can a Skin Rash Develop From Something Carried in the Air?}
$Subject{rash dermatitis contact dermatitis}
$Volume{L-20}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Can a Skin Rash Develop From Something Carried in the Air?


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QUESTION:  Although I know you can get all sorts of rashes from touching
certain substances, is it possible for a skin rash to develop from something
that is carried in the air and comes in contact with your skin?

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ANSWER:  Yes, a wide variety of airborne particles, especially in the
workplace, can cause contact dermatitis, with accompanying itching, stinging
and burning sensations of the skin on the eyelids, cheeks, nose, neck, and
other exposed areas.  Solid particles can pass under clothing, so even covered
parts of the body may also be affected.
     Fiberglass dermatitis is a classic example.  But other culprits include
rock wool fibers, dust from sewage, wood particles, cement, cellulose fibers,
mica, food additives, urea formaldehyde insulation foam, alkaline vapors (from
ammonia, for example) and acid particles.  All can produce lesions in the form
of scratch marks, tiny papules, or discolored, thickened and raised areas of
the skin.
     Such skin eruptions can appear suddenly and briefly or persist for long
periods.  Typically they have a regular outline and appear on the face and
neck if the offending material is a gas or vapor.  But they occur on other
body parts when solid particles get under clothing.
     The diagnosis is made by patch test.  While antihistamines and
corticosteroids are valuable for treatment, the best solution is prevention,
wearing protective clothing, using exhaust fans to remove all airborne
contamination, and avoiding such harmful environments when possible.  This may
even require changing your job, in severe cases, since the same particles
causing dermatitis can be especially harmful when inhaled.  Reactions could
affect your respiratory system, and its vital functions.
     When it is difficult to discover the relationship between a rash and its
specific cause, you may keeping a "rash diary" helpful in searching for the
culprit.  At each appearance of a rash, reflect on all the activities of the
past 24 -48 hours, where have you been, what substances were in the vicinity,
have there been any new materials brought into your environment.  There are
times when the answers to these questions are the only clues you and your
physician will have to solve the mystery of a rash.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
