What is irritating?
In biology, the irritability of everything that causes irritation such as inflammation or pain. It can be a chemical nature, but it can also be mechanical, thermal or radiation. Examples of irritating substances are chemicals such as capsaicin in hot peppers, harsh fabrics, friction, heat or cold and ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Irritable substances usually affect the skin, eyes or mucosal membranes. Contact with irritants can sometimes be avoided by wearing protective equipment such as glasses or gloves, and the first line of treatment against irritants is usually a flushing of the affected area with water. If irritation persists, a doctor should be consulted. Although irritation is a temporary problem, some irritating substances can cause long -term damage.
irritating substances are not the same as allergens, although these two can overlap. Allergens cause immune response, while irritating substances Cause irritation by abrasion or removal of moisture from the affected area. The effects of irritatingThe substances are at least initially limited to the area in direct contact with them, while the allergen may have more widespread or systemic effects. Finally, a certain amount of irritating agent is necessary to have an effect, while allergens may usually cause a reaction in much smaller quantities.
One possible effect of contact with irritants is a condition such as eczema or irritating contact dermatitis (ICD) that affects the skin. Symptoms may include redness, rash, blistering, itching, swelling, dryness and scaling. Many different factors contribute to the severity and duration of irritating contact eczema. These include the time and frequency of contact with the irritant substance, the strength and the amount of irritating, the sensitivity of the skin -suffering skin and the environment factors.
ICD may affect, although those who have atopic dermatitis and those who often manage irritating substances in their work are most prone. Small dICD can develop around the mouth from dribbling or licking lips often. Many people also develop the condition in winter due to cold dry air.
When allergies are excluded, ICD can be treated with compression, ecollient creams and sometimes local steroids or antibiotics for secondary infections. The patient should avoid contact with irritating whenever possible, and should maintain the affected area clean and moistened. Over time, the skin can develop tolerance to some irritating substances.