About this topic
Contact dermatitis looks like a rash or red spots on your skin. You get this when your skin touches something that bothers it. You may have an allergy or it may just irritate your skin. ‚
One kind of dermatitis is caused by soaps, cleaning products, or chemicals. These items often cause a burn on your skin. This is an irritant dermatitis. Other times you may be allergic to something. Plants, drugs, foods, or chemicals may cause an allergic reaction on your skin. Treatment for both kinds is to avoid the items that are causing problems. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Remove or avoid the item that caused your skin problem.
- Wash the affected area with water. Use mild soap or cleanser and gently pat your skin dry.
- Do not scratch, rub, or touch any blisters. Be sure not to poke or break any blisters on your skin. They can get become infected and get worse. Cover the area with bandages.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Treat the allergy or the reaction
- Help stop your skin irritation
- Help with swelling
- Stop itching or rashes
- Prevent or help fight an infection
Will physical activity be limited?
You may not need to limit your physical activity. ‚
What problems could happen?
Skin infections ‚
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
Sometimes, you are not able to fully avoid the substance that is causing your skin problem. Talk to your doctor about what to do if this is the case. These tips may help to prevent or lessen a skin reaction. ‚
- Wear clothing such as long pants, long sleeves, and gloves to protect your skin.
- Ask your doctor for the name of creams that protect your skin.
- Decrease the length of time and how often you come in contact with the item.
- Rinse your skin with water or wash your skin with soap after direct contact. This helps to lower the chance of an allergic reaction to the skin.
- Avoid using products on your skin that have scents or color in them.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of a very bad reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Go to the ER right away.
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, wound that will not heal.
- Signs of wound infection. These include swelling, redness, warmth around the sore; too much pain when touched; yellowish, greenish, or bloody discharge; foul smell coming from the sore.
- Health problem is not better or you are feeling worse
Helpful tips
- Take good care of your skin by using mild soaps without scents to wash your hands or to shower.
- Avoid items where you dont know what is in them. They could have things in them that cause your skin problems.
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you how to care for my skin.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have swelling, redness, or warmth around my sore.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Dermatology ‚
http://www.skincarephysicians.com/eczemanet/contact_dermatitis.html ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚