Sep 14, 2011 Posted Under: Diseases

How to Treat Contact Dermatitis

The primary goal of contact dermatitis treatment is to identify the substance causing the reaction and remove or avoid it. This could take several days or weeks of avoiding certain substances. If you cannot identify the cause of your skin reaction, you may need to undergo a skin patch test.

In a patch test, a small amount of the suspected substance is applied to the skin and covered with tape. Another patch without the substance on it is also attached to the skin. Both patches are removed after a period of time. If your skin is red and swollen under the suspect patch, and not under the other patch, you are probably allergic to that substance.

The symptoms of contact dermatitis may vary from person to person. Scratching and rubbing can cause or worsen some symptoms. The rash is usually confined to the area where the contact with the substance occurred, but occasionally may spread. If contact with the substance occurred all over the body, such as with a body lotion, the rash may be large.

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.

• Contact with an irritant or allergen

• Allergies to certain substances, such as plants, chemicals, or medications

Symptoms include:

• Itching

• Redness

• Swelling

• Blisters

• Crusting, oozing, and scaling

• Temporary thickening of the skin

Treatment also focuses on caring for skin and relieving symptoms.

Methods include:

Skin Care

• Wash the area with water and mild soap or cleanser and gently pat dry.

• Apply a barrier ointment such as petrolatum or vaseline.

• Do not poke at or cut open blisters. They can become infected.

• Cover blisters with dry bandages.

To prevent contact dermatitis:

• Identify the allergens and irritants that cause the condition and try to avoid them.

• If you have to come into contact with these substances, wear gloves and protective clothing.

• Use protective skin cream and take care of your skin
Medications

Do not use any of these medications until after you have discussed them with your doctor.

• Over-the-counter or prescription creams and ointments containing cortisone

• Prescription medications containing corticosteroids, such as prednisone (for severe cases)

• Prescription or over-the-counter antihistamines (may relieve itching in some cases, but not always useful for contact dermatitis)

• Phototherapy or immunosuppressants, such as menthotrexate or cyclosporine, in the most severe, resistant, and chronic cases

For more information read on contact dermatitis treatment regarding its treatments as well as advices and tips from a respective medical professional.

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