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Understanding Contact Dermatitis and the TNF Gene

Contact dermatitis is a common skin condition that causes redness, itching, and inflammation when the skin reacts to irritants or allergens. The TNF gene makes a protein called Tumor Necrosis Factor that helps regulate the immune system's inflammatory response in the skin. Variation at the rs361525 position of the TNF gene can influence how strongly your body responds to triggers and may change your likelihood of developing contact dermatitis. Genetics are only one piece of the picture. Environmental exposures and lifestyle choices play major roles in whether symptoms appear and how severe they become.

How this genetic variation matters

Different rs361525 genotypes are associated with different levels of TNF activity and different inflammatory responses in the skin. A less intense inflammatory response can mean fewer or less severe flare ups when skin is exposed to irritants such as harsh soaps, solvents, certain metals, or fragrances. A more typical inflammatory response means your genetic risk is similar to the general population. No genotype guarantees whether you will or will not develop contact dermatitis because external factors are very influential.

Practical steps to protect your skin

  • Follow an anti-inflammatory diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids from fatty fish, walnuts, or chia seeds.
  • Keep skin well hydrated with regular use of gentle, fragrance free moisturizers, especially after washing.
  • Avoid known irritants and allergens where possible. Use gloves when handling chemicals, detergents, or wet work.
  • Choose gentle, pH balanced cleansers and avoid products with added fragrance or unnecessary preservatives.
  • Manage stress using sleep, exercise, relaxation techniques, or hobbies to help reduce flare ups linked to immune activation.
  • Track flare ups and potential triggers in a journal to identify patterns and reduce exposures.
  • Talk with your healthcare provider about topical treatments, patch testing for allergens, or specialist referral when needed.

Genetic Interpretation for TNF rs361525

Two effect alleles (AA) — Protective effect

You have the AA genotype at rs361525, carrying two copies of the effect allele. This result is associated with a protective effect and a lower genetic risk of developing hand dermatitis compared to other genotypes at this location. Your TNF gene may drive a more moderate inflammatory response when skin encounters irritants or allergens. That can translate to fewer or less severe inflammatory reactions such as itchy, red, or inflamed patches on the hands.

What this means for you

  • Your genetic tendency is toward a milder inflammatory reaction in the skin.
  • You may experience fewer or less severe contact dermatitis episodes from common triggers.
  • Environmental and lifestyle factors still influence outcomes. Protective habits remain useful.

Practical suggestions

  • Continue protective skin care routines. Even with reduced genetic risk, prevention is the best approach.
  • Use barrier protection such as gloves during wet work or when handling irritants.
  • Maintain hydration and an anti-inflammatory diet to support overall skin health.
  • Monitor skin for new or worsening reactions and consult your healthcare provider as needed.
One effect allele (AG) — Mild protective effect

You have the AG genotype at rs361525, carrying one copy of the effect allele. This variant may provide a mild protective effect against contact dermatitis. Your TNF gene likely produces a slightly less intense inflammatory response when the skin is exposed to irritants or allergens, which can modestly lower your risk of developing contact dermatitis, especially on the hands.

What this means for you

  • You may have a slightly reduced likelihood of flare ups compared to people without the effect allele.
  • Your genetic protection is partial. Environmental exposures and habits are still important determinants.

Practical suggestions

  • Keep up preventive skin care steps to lower the chance of reactions.
  • Identify and limit exposures to known irritants and allergens in your work and home environments.
  • Use fragrance free, gentle skin care products and moisturize regularly after washing.
  • Consider topical barrier creams for frequent hand washing or wet work.
No effect alleles (GG) — Standard risk

You have the GG genotype at rs361525, carrying two copies of the non-effect allele. This genotype is associated with a standard risk for contact dermatitis. Your TNF gene activity and inflammatory response in the skin are expected to function in a typical way when exposed to irritants or allergens. Your genetic predisposition neither increases nor decreases your susceptibility compared with the general population.

What this means for you

  • Your genetic risk for contact dermatitis is similar to the average person.
  • Environmental triggers and lifestyle choices will largely determine whether you develop symptoms.

Practical suggestions

  • Adopt protective habits to reduce your real world risk, including gloves for chemical exposure and regular moisturizing.
  • Avoid harsh soaps and choose pH balanced cleansers.
  • Maintain an anti-inflammatory diet and manage stress to support skin resilience.
  • Seek evaluation for persistent or severe rashes. Patch testing can identify specific allergens to avoid.

Diet, supplements, and lifestyle to support skin health

Eating and living to reduce inflammation can help minimize the frequency and severity of contact dermatitis flare ups regardless of genotype. Focus on whole foods including colorful fruits and vegetables, fatty fish or other omega-3 sources, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. Limit highly processed foods, excess sugar, and trans fats, which can promote systemic inflammation.

  • Supplements to consider after discussing with your healthcare provider: omega-3 fish oil, vitamin D if deficient, and topical barrier products like ceramide containing moisturizers.
  • Hydration: regular moisturizing and gentle cleansing reduce skin barrier disruption that allows irritants to penetrate.
  • Workplace and home exposure control: wear appropriate gloves, use milder cleaning products, and reduce direct contact with known allergens such as nickel or specific fragrances.
  • Stress management: sleep, relaxation practices, exercise, and counseling when needed can help reduce immune system driven skin reactions.

When to see a healthcare provider

  • If rashes are severe, persistent, spreading, or significantly affecting daily life seek medical evaluation.
  • Ask about patch testing to identify specific contact allergens if exposures are suspected.
  • Discuss topical or systemic treatments with a clinician if over the counter measures do not control symptoms.

PlexusDx provides education about genetic predispositions only. This information does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, supplement routine, or medical care based on genetic results.