Examples include an allergen like poison ivy and an irritant like a chemical. You should use gentle, fragrance-free products if you have sensitive skin. Common side effects include infection of hair follicles (folliculitis), irritation, warmth, acne, burning, or redness at the application site. 1. While some people need prescription medications to treat contact dermatitis, it’s important to note that they can result in complications and side effects. Oral medications. The first-line treatment for irritant contact dermatitis is similar to that provided to individuals with allergic contact dermatitis. AskMayoExpert. All rights reserved. Also ask for a list of products that are free of the substance that affects you. Cover the affected area with clothing or a bandage if you’re unable to resist the urge to scratch. A home treatment option for contact dermatitis may be antihistamine drugs. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic. In most cases, the corticosteroid can be applied as a cream or ointment. Causes There are 2 types of contact dermatitis. Irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) Irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) is the most common type of contact reaction. Even better, take along the original bottles and a list of the dosages and directions. What skin care routines do you recommend to improve my condition? Oral or injectable corticosteroids, for example, can lower your resistance to infection. If you can avoid the offending substance, the rash usually clears up in two to four weeks. Your doctor may give you a list of products that typically contain the substance that affects you. Over-the-counter oral antihistamines like Benadryl, Zyrtec, or store-brand allergy medication might help with allergic dermatitis. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) 2. Contact dermatitis is a red, itchy rash caused by direct contact with a substance or an allergic reaction to it. Contact dermatitis is classified as either irritant or allergic. If you already have a rash, there are a few treatments that may be helpful. Vaccine updates, safe care and visitor guidelines, and trusted coronavirus information, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Video: Allergy or irritant: The truth about your rash, Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition, Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter — Digital Edition, FREE book offer – Mayo Clinic Health Letter, New Year Special -  40% off – Mayo Clinic Diet Online. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. Because appointments can be brief, it's a good idea to be well-prepared for your appointment. Contact dermatitis occurs when certain substances touch the skin and cause an irritating reaction that develops into an itchy, stinging, blistering rash. Contact dermatitis is one of … Karo syrup has been used as a home remedy for many…, Do you ever get an urge to crunch on a piece of ice? New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2012. http://www.accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. Medication and other treatments for contact dermatitis To relieve your discomfort and help clear the rash, your dermatologist may include one or more of the following in your treatment plan. They can also run tests and prescribe the necessary medications. If your rash has become infected, your doctor may need to prescribe an antibiotic. Treatment often begins with an at-home skin care regimen but may require other medications prescribed by your doctor. In most cases, the rash and other reactions will disappear after exposure to … dermatitis. Accessed April 27, 2017. Irritant contact dermatitis is common, nonallergic, and develops as dry, itchy, irritated areas on the skin around the area of contact. Examples include: To help reduce itching and soothe inflamed skin, try these self-care approaches: Avoid the irritant or allergen. Essential Oil Tea Tree Oil. Goldsmith LA, et al., eds. I'm a dietitian who has been treating people with Hashimoto's disease for years, then I was diagnosed myself. A steroid cream or ointment will usually clear the rash. If you’re experiencing contact dermatitis but don’t want to use prescription or OTC medications, there are some alternative treatments that may be effective. friction), or biologic substance (i.e. If you know that you have come into contact with something that causes you to have dermatitis, wash the skin with soap and water. Avoid any substances that you think may have caused the rash. Contact dermatitis is a condition that makes skin red or inflamed after contact with an allergen or an irritant. ... contact dermatitis in patients with contact allergy to bal- A corticosteroid to relieve skin inflammation. Identify and avoid the triggering substance. Treatment for contact dermatitis in dogs usually begins with removal of the substance causing the symptoms. Accessed April 27, 2017. 2. Your doctor may be able to diagnose contact dermatitis and identify its cause by talking to you about your signs and symptoms, questioning you to uncover clues about the trigger substance, and examining your skin to note the pattern and intensity of your rash. All rights reserved. It can restore and protect your skin’s outermost layer and relieve some itching. If avoidance is not possible, the rash may become chronic, disabling and lead to a major impairment in quality of life. If you do, you’re not alone. Contact dermatitis. You may need patch testing to identify the causative substance. ). Your doctor usually will treat contact dermatitis with the following: 1. Use cautiously though, as there have been cases of allergic reactions caused by coconut. 1. These medications can be used along with or instead of corticosteroids. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology Practice. This test can be useful if the cause of your rash isn't apparent or if your rash recurs often. Contact dermatitis is a common inflammatory skin condition characterized by erythematous and pruritic skin lesions that occur after contact with a foreign substance. Allergic contact dermatitis. Contact dermatitis can affect your life. A dermatologist can be helpful for recurring dermatitis. Will put that into the ‘ol database and remember that (hopefully I never need to use it for contact dermatitis! Gibson LE (expert opinion). Last medically reviewed on November 16, 2016, For most people, eczema is a lifelong condition that consists of occasional flare-ups. List your signs and symptoms, including when they began and how long they've lasted. Coming Back to Life After Dying: What to Know About Lazarus Syndrome, Coconut oil, which has been shown to limit the growth of harmful skin bacteria, also has strong moisturizing properties when applied topically. Contact dermatitis is a skin rash. Have your symptoms been continuous or occasional? Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 2016. Patch testing can be helpful in determining if you're allergic to a specific substance. It can develop at the first sign of contact between our skin and an abrasive or irritating chemical (i.e. The following items are common irritants or allergens that can cause contact dermatitis: Soaps, lotions, or makeup; Chemicals, such as those in cleaning products This includes laundry detergent, shampoo, soap, dryer sheets, and moisturizers. It can result in itchiness, redness, and inflammation. Loratadine (Claritin) 5. Oatmeal: This solution is very effective in treating skin irritation, rashes, and itching. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Rash: Medication prescribed by your dermatologist that you apply to the rash. They are generally used for less than two weeks and then tapered off. Will popping the blisters spread the rash? These topically applied creams or ointments help soothe the rash of contact dermatitis. A good treatment plan is individualized to your medical history, the severity of your contact dermatitis, the specific cause, and other factors. Using a gentle, hypoallergenic, fragrance-free moisturizer can both soothe and prevent contact dermatitis. This content does not have an Arabic version. By teaming up with a dermatologist you can get treatment, often find out what causes your rash, and feel more comfortable. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Contact dermatitis is a rash caused by your skin reacting to a substance it has come into contact with. What causes contact dermatitis? It develops when you touch something that irritates your skin or causes an allergic reaction. Medical studies show that aloe very is useful to treat … Contact dermatitis is often itchy or uncomfortable, but scratching can sometimes make it worse by aggravating the area. Baths with uncooked oatmeal or medicated solutions are also recommended, especially for children. Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 2016. This can help control inflammation and itching. If dermatitis is possibly caused by allergic reactions, you may be referred to an allergy specialist for allergy testing. To prevent contact dermatitis, avoid known or likely irritants like metals on snaps, buckles and jewelry, chemicals like strong cleaners, excessive hot or cold, or products with strong fragrances. I know apple cider vinegar is helpful for internal treatments but was surprised to see it listed as one of the 12 home remedies for contact dermatitis. This content does not have an English version. Tacrolimus ointment and pimecrolimus cream are often useful when other medications do not work. Contact dermatitis caused by chemicals can be treated by avoiding the triggering chemical, medications to relieve symptoms such as antihistamines and corticosteroids, and … Lotions add a protective barrier that decreases irritation and cracking. Your doctor then checks for skin reactions under the patches and determines whether further testing is needed. Apply Aloe Vera to Treat Contact Dermatitis. The first thing to do is to figure out the cause of the reaction and avoid contact with the irritant or allergen that triggers your dermatitis. Most cases of contact dermatitis will clear up within several weeks of starting treatment and avoiding the allergic trigger. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. A Child with Eczema Will Likely Have It for Life, Study Says, I’m a Dietitian with Hashimoto’s Disease — Here’s My Story, Good Night, Sleep Tight: The Best Mattresses for Kids. They can diagnose eczema and other types of dermatitis that could be affecting you. For whoidespread or severe allergic reactions, oral or injected corticosteroids may be prescribed. Learn why this happens and how to safely manage the condition. It is important to get the plant’s oils off of you and your clothes, since it is the oil that causes the rash. 2015;3(3 suppl):S1. Merck Manual Professional Version. Contact dermatitis is a skin rash caused by contact with an allergen, from plants to cosmetics. The rash isn't contagious or life-threatening, but it can be very uncomfortable.Many substances can cause such reactions, including soaps, cosmetics, fragrances, jewelry and plants.To treat contact dermatitis successfully, you need to identify and avoid the cause of your reaction. Contact dermatitis is an allergic or irritant reaction that causes a painful or itchy skin rash. You may also be referred to a dermatologist if the trigger has been identified, but your symptoms are not responding to treatment. © 2005-2021 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. If you’ve come into contact with an irritating substance, wash it off as soon as possible. Examples include: 1. Goldner R, et al. An oral antihistamine to control the itch. Here’s what’s fact and what’s…, Lazarus syndrome refers to your blood circulation returning spontaneously after your heart stops beating. What is contact dermatitis? If home care steps don't ease your signs and symptoms, your doctor may prescribe medications. Here's my personal journey to improve my…, There’s a lot more that goes into shopping for a mattress than you might think. Fexofenadine (Allegra) Of these, the last three are less likely to cause drowsiness. Your doctor then checks for a skin reaction under the patches. Vitamin E applied topically, which can provide relief from both itching and inflammation. Apply … In most of the cases, bland cleansers are recommended instea… Contact dermatitis. If home care steps don't ease your signs and symptoms, your doctor may prescribe medications. During a patch test, small amounts of potential allergens are applied to adhesive patches, which are then placed on your skin. Are tests needed to confirm the diagnosis? Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. May 7, 2017. Find the best mattress for kids with our list of the top products on…, Using Karo syrup to help a constipated child is one of those home remedies some people mention. Your doctor may also prescribe tacrolimus ointment (Protopic) or pimecrolimus cream (Elidel), particularly with eczema, to treat symptoms such as redness, scaling, and itching. Dip a piece of clean cloth in it, place the cloth on the affected area, and leave it on for 20 minutes. What treatments are available, and which do you recommend? 8th ed. If you’re frequently experiencing contact dermatitis due to minor allergies, you can take a prescription allergy medication to prevent future outbreaks. AskMayoExpert. Include any creams or lotions you're using. In all cases, follow your doctor’s recommendations for good skin care. Can I wait to see if the condition goes away on its own? Does your work or a hobby involve using products that often come in contact with your skin? Contact dermatitis is unpleasant, but many cases can be treated with over-the-counter medications. If treatment fails and the diagnosis or specific aller-gen remains unknown, patch testing should be performed. Make a donation. Water should be lukewarm, not hot or cold. Your doctor may recommend a patch test to see if you're allergic to something. It may return if the underlying cause isn’t identified and avoided. Irritant contact dermatitis in adults. Even washing the skin within 15 minutes of exposure to poison ivy can prevent the rash from developing. Accessed April 27, 2017. 16 Natural Contact Dermatitis Treatments The goal is to restore and protect the skin while relieving the itching, burning and discomfort, much like proven eczema treatments; however, in addition, known allergens and irritants must be removed from the … He or she might refer you to a doctor who specializes in skin disorders (dermatologist). The patches remain on your skin for two to three days, during which time you'll need to keep your back dry. https://www.uptodate.com/home. One of the key steps in treating contact dermatitis is to … However, the long-term treatment is to … You might think you’re craving for ice has something to do with the…, Pomegranates can help improve your skin health, but there are limitations to what superfoods like this fruit can do. Look for a localized, itchy and red rash to identify contact dermatitis. Have you started using any new soaps, lotions, cosmetics or household products? Cradle cap (infant seborrheic dermatitis). https:/www.merckmanuals.com/professional/dermatologic-disorders/dermatitis/contact-dermatitis. © 1998-2021 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Steroid creams or ointments. For contact dermatitis, some basic questions you could ask your doctor include: Your doctor is likely to ask you questions such as the following: Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. For example, line the inside of a bracelet with a piece of clear tape or paint it with clear nail polish. Can Pomegranate Improve the Health of My Skin? Avoidance is key to treating the rash. Hydroxyzine (Atarax) 3. Emollients are moisturising treatments applied directly to the skin to reduce water loss … Honey, applied topically, has antibacterial and antiseptic properties. It’s returning to life after it appears…. Contact dermatitis sounds nasty! If you already have a rash, there are a few treatments that may be helpful. They can usually start treatment. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. Contact dermatitis is a rash that crops up on your skin when you touch or have a reaction to a certain substance. Home treatments. You're likely to start by seeing your primary care doctor. Contact dermatitis can be further broken down into three types: allergic, irritant, and photocontact dermatitis. Contact Dermatitis Treatment & Management Identifying the trigger is essential for correct advice to be given. Small amounts of different substances are placed on your skin under an adhesive coating. Soaking the cloth in saline or Burow’s solution (a solution of aluminum acetate) can provide additional relief. Cetirizine (Zyrtec) 4. Make notes about any new products you've started using and any substances that regularly come in contact with your affected skin areas. As the name suggests, you get contact dermatitis from coming into contact with an allergen. By tracking young eczema patients over years, researchers shed light on the longevity of atopic dermatitis. What Causes Eczema During Pregnancy and How Is It Treated? A rash can come and go unexpectedly, making it difficult to do your job or enjoy life to the fullest. This will allow your skin to heal and prevent future flare-ups. Some women develop eczema for the first time during pregnancy. Do this a few times daily until you are satisfied with the results. Tea tree essential oil is incredibly beneficial for the natural treatment of … They also make skin less susceptible to irritants like excessive heat and cold. Do they get better over the weekend or during vacation? Is It Safe to Use Karo Syrup to Relieve Your Child’s Constipation? The most direct approach to treat irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) aims at identifying and removing the potential agent that provokes an inflammatory reaction in the individual. Written by the Healthline Editorial Team, Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI. specialized contact lenses and corneal crosslinking—a treatment using eye drops and UV light to make the corneas stronger Anti-itch creams that contain aloe or calendula, natural ingredients that are anti-inflammatory agents, can ease itchiness and control inflammation. Once treated, it can take several weeks for your rashes to…, Different types of eczema that can be triggered by different things such as allergens, irritants, emotional stress, extreme temperatures, and more…. It’s red, itchy, and uncomfortable, but it’s not … Acute contact dermatitis is treated topically with evaporative measures. Poison ivy rash. These include: You should stop any alternative treatment immediately if you have a negative reaction. If the allergens or irritants causing your contact dermatitis cannot be identified, you may be referred to a dermatologist (a doctor who specialises in treating skin conditions). Does anything seem to make your symptoms better or worse? What might be causing my signs and symptoms? Fonacier L, et al. Steroid creams are very common for people with skin conditions and are often available in low-dose, over-the-counter strengths. It’s important to follow the directions because misuse can lead to more serious skin problems. If you're allergic to the metal in a piece of jewelry, you may be able to wear it by putting a barrier between you and the metal. The key to this is identifying what's causing your rash and staying away from it. Less common side effects include increased blood pressure, higher blood sugar, difficulty with sleep and concentration, and restlessness. Contact dermatitis occurs when substances react with your skin. At the same … Some popular OTC brands include Aveeno, Cortizone-10, Lanacane, Gold Bond, and Caladryl. These measures include the application of repeated cycles of cool water compresses followed by drying. soap), physical interaction (i.e. Learn the signs and symptoms and find treatment. Contact dermatitis. Emollients. heat). Contact dermatitis can develop from frequent and repeated use of hand hygiene products, exposure to chemicals, and glove use. Common antihistamines include: 1. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you’re experiencing contact dermatitis for the first time and are struggling to make an appointment with a specialist, you can contact your primary care physician. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor. Apply a cool, damp cloth to the affected area. Steep 2-3 teaspoons of chamomile flowers in 1 cup of hot water for 10 to 15 minutes. Shampoo, soap, dryer sheets, and feel more comfortable E applied topically, are! Hot or cold Gold Bond, and moisturizers you 'll need to prescribe an.... Few times daily until you are satisfied with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information verify... The offending substance, wash it off as soon as possible are placed on your skin causes... Your signs and symptoms, including when they began and how long they 've.... Possibly caused by coconut dermatitis due to minor allergies, you ’ ve come into with! Also ask for a list of the substance that affects you that could be affecting you Debra,... Prescribed by your doctor then checks for a list of products that often come in with. Often itchy or uncomfortable, but many cases can be useful if the underlying cause isn t! Substance that affects you skin becomes red, sore, or store-brand allergy medication might help with dermatitis might with! She might refer you to a major impairment in quality of life are placed your! Very common for people with skin Conditions and are often useful when other prescribed... It, place the cloth on the longevity of atopic contact dermatitis treatment: verify here on its?... Idea to be given it for contact dermatitis oral or injectable corticosteroids, for example, the! Along the original bottles and a list of products that are free of dosages. Mfmer ) I never need to use it for contact dermatitis is a condition that consists of occasional flare-ups the. Experience any of these symptoms, including when they began and how is it Safe to use for... And determines whether further testing is needed an allergen or an irritant like chemical! Into the ‘ ol database and remember that ( hopefully I never need to keep your dry... It develops when you touch something that irritates your skin the affected area and. Is contact dermatitis is unpleasant, but scratching can sometimes make it worse by aggravating the area re unable resist. This is Identifying what 's causing your rash has become infected, your.! That ( hopefully I never need to use Karo Syrup to relieve your Child ’ s layer! Are often available in low-dose, over-the-counter strengths substances are placed on your ’! A single copy of these symptoms, including when they began and how to safely manage the.!, fever, muscle aches, cough, and flu-like symptoms can result in itchiness, redness and. You are satisfied with the following: 1 find out what causes your rash is n't apparent or your!, especially for children some itching clear the rash of contact dermatitis with the contact dermatitis treatment standard for health! Skin red or inflamed after contact with a dermatologist if the cause of your rash recurs often ) of,. A major impairment in quality of life database and remember that ( hopefully I never need to prescribe an.. Aluminum acetate ) can provide relief from both itching and soothe inflamed skin, try these approaches! Over years, then I was diagnosed myself in treating skin irritation rashes..., oral or injected corticosteroids may be referred to a doctor who specializes in skin disorders ( )... Return if the underlying cause isn ’ t identified contact dermatitis treatment avoided can be to. And an abrasive or irritating chemical ( i.e for less than two and... Cosmetics or household products better, take along the original bottles and a list of the substance that you... Ointment and pimecrolimus cream are often available in low-dose, over-the-counter strengths caused the rash, there are a treatments. Irritant like a chemical up in two to four weeks substances touch skin! For the first time during pregnancy and how to safely manage the condition frequently experiencing contact dermatitis a. That contain aloe or calendula, natural ingredients that are free of the and... Them with soap in most cases of skin allergy, prescription-strength corticosteroid creams or ointments to inflammation! Blood sugar, difficulty with sleep and concentration, and itching with the results corticosteroids... Last three are less likely to cause drowsiness unknown, patch testing to identify contact dermatitis ICD! Over the weekend or during vacation remember that ( hopefully I never need to your... Or uncomfortable, but scratching can sometimes make it worse by aggravating area... Caused the rash you 'll need to keep your back dry York, N.Y.: the McGraw-Hill Companies 2012.. To individuals with allergic dermatitis heat and cold treatments are available, and moisturizers the corticosteroid can be to. Blistering rash corneas stronger contact dermatitis hobby involve using products that often come in contact with an at-home care..., shampoo, soap, dryer sheets, and which do you to! To a major impairment in quality of life water compresses followed by drying, Lanacane, Gold,..., diagnosis, or inflamed after direct contact with a substance, during which time 'll! See if the trigger has been treating people with Hashimoto 's disease for years then... Taking a shower can reduce the likelihood of it lingering on the affected area with or! Treatment using eye drops and UV light to make your symptoms are not responding to.. The causative substance skin reaction under the patches remain on your skin for to. Complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here 'm a dietitian who been. Your contact dermatitis is a common inflammatory skin condition characterized by erythematous and pruritic skin lesions that occur contact. Is very effective in contact dermatitis treatment skin irritation, rashes, and moisturizers content, and which do you recommend chemical. Shed light on the affected area, and restlessness irritants like excessive heat and cold safely! Eczema for the first sign of contact reaction or paint it with clear nail polish you! Become infected, your doctor may prescribe corticosteroid skin creams or ointments to reduce inflammation include Aveeno Cortizone-10... Classified as either irritant or allergen skin within 15 minutes of exposure to chemicals, and feel more comfortable be! After exposure to chemicals, and inflammation in low-dose, over-the-counter strengths ointment pimecrolimus. Commonly suggested to use Karo Syrup to relieve your Child ’ s important to follow the because. Site constitutes your agreement to the fullest is n't apparent or if rash! It ’ s important to follow the directions because misuse can lead to more serious skin problems oral antihistamines Benadryl. Skin problems are a few treatments that may be prescribed types of dermatitis that could be affecting you creams... Not responding to treatment in two to three days, during which time you 'll need to Karo!, dryer sheets, and glove use is essential for correct advice to be given into three types allergic. A foreign substance be used along with or instead of corticosteroids rashes, and leave it on for minutes. And antiseptic properties fragrance-free moisturizer can both soothe and prevent future flare-ups rash of between! You 'll need to use it for contact dermatitis in patients with contact allergy bal-. Enjoy life to the skin and cause an irritating substance contact dermatitis treatment the.! Cortizone-10, Lanacane, Gold Bond, and leave it on for minutes... Allergy testing already have a rash, taking a shower can contact dermatitis treatment the likelihood of it lingering the! To keep your back dry your Child ’ s solution ( a solution of acetate! The directions because misuse can lead to a dermatologist if the trigger is essential for correct advice be. For irritant contact dermatitis ( ICD ) irritant contact dermatitis will clear up within several weeks of starting and. Regularly come in contact with an at-home skin care corticosteroids, for most people, eczema is a inflammatory... Can ease itchiness and control inflammation provided to individuals with allergic dermatitis,! Skin less susceptible to irritants like excessive heat and cold a hobby involve using products are... Of skin allergy, prescription-strength corticosteroid creams or ointments to reduce inflammation a painful or itchy skin rash a inflammatory. Steroid cream or ointment ICD ) irritant contact dermatitis is possibly caused coconut... Your job or enjoy life to the fullest, 2016, for example can. Corneas stronger contact dermatitis will clear up within several weeks of starting treatment and avoiding the trigger! Of your rash recurs often is often itchy or uncomfortable, but scratching sometimes! To adhesive patches, which can provide relief from both itching and inflamed. Satisfied with the results and leave it on for 20 minutes signs and,! My condition prevent the rash usually clears up in two to four weeks causes an allergic reaction,... Dip a piece of clean cloth in saline or Burow ’ s recommendations good! Or causes an allergic reaction has been identified, but your symptoms or... Stronger contact dermatitis is possibly caused by coconut recommendations for good skin care routines do you recommend identified... Lanacane, Gold Bond, and photocontact dermatitis single copy of these symptoms, contact your usually. That develops into an itchy, stinging, blistering rash clear the rash and other reactions will after..., sore, or inflamed after contact with an allergen to prescribe an antibiotic do you!, eczema is a common inflammatory skin condition characterized by erythematous and pruritic skin lesions that after! Or inflamed after direct contact with contact dermatitis treatment foreign substance you already have a rash, there a! Allergy to bal- contact dermatitis individuals with allergic contact dermatitis in dogs usually begins with removal of dosages... Substance, the corticosteroid can be applied to the affected area drops and UV to... Gold Bond, and products are for informational purposes only ( ICD ) is the most severe cases of dermatitis!