Interface dermatitis (ID) is a reaction characterized by an itchy rash with small, water-filled blisters.
It is often associated with an autoimmune disorder such aslupusordermatomyositis.
For example, afungal infectionon your foot activates your immune system, and your immune response triggers ID.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet New Zealandwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
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Reproduced with permission from A DermNet New Zealandwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
In some cases, it’s on the chest or arms.
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Associated itching can often be quite intense.
What Does Interface Dermatitis Look Like?
An ID reaction can vary in appearance from one person to the next because the underlying cause can differ.
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In some cases, it can be due tograft versus host disease.
While certain illnesses or medications can cause a reaction,fungal infectionsare the most common cause.
Tumors have even been associated with ID, often withSweet syndrome.
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Many other skin diseases may have a similar presentation, as well.
But given the above, testing is often needed.
ID reactions due to an infection or allergic reaction generally go away when the cause is resolved.
Antihistamine creams ororal antihistaminesmay help if an allergic response is suspected or confirmed.
Antibiotics may be helpful if an infection occurs.
You also may need to discontinue a medication or otherwise avoid a cause related to your ID symptoms.
Possible Future Drug Treatments
A promising new treatment is a biologically produced protein called Serpina3n.
But they also can be related to medications you take.
Fungal infections are a common cause and among the easiest to treat.
Your healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics if an infection has complicated your ID symptoms.
Prevention may not be possible for some ID causes but talk with your provider about what works.
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