Dermatitis is redness, soreness, and swelling (inflammation) of the skin. Contact dermatitis is a reaction to certain substances that touch the skin. There are two types of this condition:

• Irritant contact dermatitis. This is the most common type. It happens when something irritates your skin, such as when your hands get dry from washing them too often with soap. You can get this type of reaction even if you have not been exposed to the irritant before.

• Allergic contact dermatitis. This type is caused by a substance that you are allergic to, such as poison ivy. It occurs when you have been exposed to the substance (allergen) and form a sensitivity to it. In some cases, the reaction may start soon after your first exposure to the allergen. In other cases, it may not start until you are exposed to the allergen again. It may then occur every time you are exposed to the allergen in the future.

Irritant contact dermatitis is often caused by exposure to:

• Makeup.

• Soaps, detergents, and bleaches.

• Acids.

• Metal salts, such as nickel.

Allergic contact dermatitis is often caused by exposure to:

• Poisonous plants.

• Chemicals.

• Jewelry.

• Latex.

• Medicines.

• Preservatives in products, such as clothes.

You are more likely to get this condition if you have:

• A job that exposes you to irritants or allergens.

• Certain medical conditions. These include asthma and eczema.

Symptoms of this condition may occur in any place on your body that has been touched by the irritant.

• Symptoms include:

  • Dryness, flaking, or cracking.

  • Redness.

  • Itching.

  • Pain or a burning feeling.

  • Blisters.

  • Drainage of small amounts of blood or clear fluid from skin cracks.

This condition is diagnosed with a medical history and physical exam.

• A patch skin test may be done to help figure out the cause.

• If the condition is related to your job, you may need to see an expert in health problems in the workplace (occupational medicine specialist).

This condition is treated by staying away from the cause of the reaction and protecting your skin from further contact. Treatment may also include:

• Steroid creams or ointments. Steroid medicines may need be taken by mouth (orally) in more severe cases.

• Antibiotics or medicines applied to the skin to kill bacteria (antibacterial ointments). These may be needed if a skin infection is present.

• Antihistamines. These may be taken orally or put on as a lotion to ease itching.

• A bandage (dressing).

Skin care

• Moisturize your skin as needed.

• Put cool, wet cloths (cool compresses) on the affected areas.

• Try applying baking soda paste to your skin. Stir water into baking soda until it has the consistency of a paste.

• Do not scratch your skin. Avoid friction to the affected area.

• Avoid the use of soaps, perfumes, and dyes.

• Check the affected areas every day for signs of infection. Check for:

  • More redness, swelling, or pain.

  • More fluid or blood.

  • Warmth.

  • Pus or a bad smell.

Medicines

• Take or apply over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.

• If you were prescribed antibiotics, take or apply them as told by your health care provider. Do not stop using the antibiotic even if you start to feel better.

Bathing

• Try taking a bath with:

  • Epsom salts. Follow the instructions on the packaging. You can get these at your local pharmacy or grocery store.

  • Baking soda. Pour a small amount into the bath as told by your health care provider.

  • Colloidal oatmeal. Follow the instructions on the packaging. You can get this at your local pharmacy or grocery store.

• Bathe less often. This may mean bathing every other day.

• Bathe in lukewarm water. Avoid using hot water.

Bandage care

• If you were given a dressing, change it as told by your health care provider.

• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after you change your dressing. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer.

General instructions

• Avoid the substance that caused your reaction. If you do not know what caused it, keep a journal to try to track what caused it. Write down:

  • What you eat and drink.

  • What cosmetics you use.

  • What you wear in the affected area. This includes jewelry.