Taking the sting out of diagnosing contact dermatitis

“Have a high clinical suspicion for contact allergens or irritants in anyone presenting with eczematous rash.” —Dr. Rebecca PrattCreams that sting and rashes that won’t quit —welcome to the complex world of contact dermatitis. Dr. Rebecca Pratt joins Dr. Mariam Hanna to unpack why diagnosing and managing this condition is anything but straightforward.Dr. Pratt is an allergist and clinical immunologist in St. Catharines, Ontario, with a passion for dermatoimmunopathology and practical tools that empower patients. She breaks down when to patch test, what to suspect, and how to help patients take control.On this episode:Why 80% of contact dermatitis cases are irritant—not allergicClues that point to allergic contact dermatitis, especially in recurring facial, hand, or foot rashesHow to approach patch testing in adults and kids, including when immunosuppressants or UV exposure may interfereWhat to do when results are negative—and why that still mattersThe reality of managing allergens found in foods, not just topicalsWhy there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to the sunscreen question—and how physical blockers stack upThere may be no cure for contact allergy, but there’s power in knowing what to avoid.Have an idea for the show or a comment, send us a text!Visit the Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical ImmunologyFind an allergist using our helpful toolFind Dr. Hanna on X, previously Twitter, @PedsAllergyDoc or CSACI @CSACI_caThe Allergist is produced for CSACI by PodCraft Productions