A- Z Health Guides

Dermatitis (contact)

What is contact dermatitis?
Contact Dermatitis is an inflammation (reddening) of the skin. It is caused by contact with a substance such as soap or chemicals. The dermatitis may also be caused by contact with plants, such as poison ivy, poison oak, and ragweed.

Common causes
Some of the things causing dermatitis are hair dyes, rinses, tints, fingernail polish, deodorants, ointments, creams, bra or girdle materials, jewellery, watch bands or fasteners containing the metal "nickel."

Some things may increase your chances of getting dermatitis. These are increased sweating, washing too often with soap and water, nylon clothing, and hereditary factors.

Symptoms
Symptoms of contact dermatitis are itching, burning and redness of the skin. Small blisters may form. There may also be crusting, drying and peeling of the skin.

Treatment
Your doctor may give you medications that should relieve your symptoms in a few days.

The medications ordered may help control the itching. But you may have the inflammation for several days or even several weeks.

If medications are ordered, follow the instructions of the label(s) carefully.

General measures

Avoid contact with the suspected item or substance.
Avoid sunburns.
Keep clean with sponge bathing. DO NOT soak in the bath because water may dry the skin too much.
Most importantly, DO NOT SCRATCH OR VIGOROUSLY RUB THE ITCHING AREA! This will only make the itching worse.

This information is provided only as an informational resource for consumers. For advice regarding a specific medical condition, please consult your personal physician.

« Back