Final answer:
Acute irritant contact dermatitis is an inflammatory skin reaction that occurs immediately after direct exposure to an irritant. It is characterized by redness, itching, and blistering and is treated with soothing creams and cold compresses. Unlike delayed hypersensitivity, it does not require prior sensitization to the irritant.
Step-by-step explanation:
Acute irritant contact dermatitis is a form of contact dermatitis characterized by skin inflammation that arises immediately after exposure to an irritant. This condition may occur after a single exposure and does not require prior sensitization. Symptoms can include redness, itching, and blistering of the skin. It can result from various sources, such as exposure to latex or harsh chemicals.
Unlike delayed hypersensitivity, acute irritant contact dermatitis does not involve a cell-mediated immune reaction requiring a prior sensitization period. Common treatments aim to soothe the affected area and may include moisturizers, corticosteroid creams, and applying cold compresses to alleviate the discomfort.
Contact sensitivity, a type of delayed hypersensitivity, is cell-mediated and often involves repeated exposures to substances such as nickel or poison ivy. This type of reaction takes one to two days for a maximal reaction and is managed with anti-inflammatory medications like cortisone to inhibit cytokine production.