What is the difference between allergic contact dermatitis and irritant contact dermatitis?
My dog Brandon, an American Staffordshire Terrier/Rottweiler Mix was diagnosed with allergic contact dermatitis and irritant contact dermatitis. What is the difference between these two diseases? The way they are described, they sound like the exact same disease. Could somebody tell me what the difference is?
Tags: Dermatitis, Contact, difference, allergic, irritant, irritant contact dermatitis, betweenRelated posts:
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!
‘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!