How long does contact dermatitis last?
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What is contact dermatitis?
Contact dermatitis is a red, scratchy rash brought on by direct contact with a substance or an allergic reaction to it. The rash isn’t contagious or lethal; however, it can be very uneasy. Many compounds can trigger such reactions, including soaps, plants, scents, cosmetics, and jewelry. To deal with contact dermatitis effectively, you need to identify and avoid the irritant. If you can keep off the irritant, the rash clears up with 4 weeks.
What are the signs and symptoms of contact dermatitis?
The symptoms of contact dermatitis depend on two things; what caused the dermatitis and how sensitive you are to the substance.
What triggers contact dermatitis?
There are 3 kinds of contact dermatitis:
- irritant contact dermatitis
- allergic contact dermatitis
- photocontact dermatitis
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Irritant contact dermatitis
This is the most common type of contact dermatitis. Contact dermatitis occurs when an irritant comes in contact with the skin. Here are hazardous compounds that can trigger irritant contact dermatitis:
- detergents
- battery acid
- kerosene
- bleach
- pepper spray
- drain cleaners
Less irritating material like soap and water can also cause irritant contact dermatitis if it comes in contact with the skin too much. Therefore, people working with water on a daily basis such as hairdressers are at risk of contact dermatitis of the hand.
Symptoms of irritant contact dermatitis
The symptoms of irritant contact dermatitis may be slightly different, they include:
- skin cracking
- blistering
- swelling
- skin that feels stiff or tight
- open sores that form crusts
- ulcerations
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Allergic contact dermatitis
Allergic contact dermatitis happens when the skin develops an allergic response after being exposed to a foreign compound. The result is inflammatory chemicals released by the body that makes the skin feel itchy and irritated. Common causes contact dermatitis involves coming in contact with:
- gold or nickel jewelry
- fragrances or chemicals in cosmetics products
- latex gloves
- toxin oak or poison ivy
Symptoms of allergic contact dermatitis
Symptoms connected with allergic contact dermatitis include:
- dry, scaly, flaky skin
- skin redness
- hives
- oozing blisters
- skin that appears dark or tough
- extreme itching
- skin that burns
- high sensitivity to sunlight
- swelling, particularly in the eyes, face, or groin areas
Photocontact dermatitis
Photocontact dermatitis is rare compared to the other two types. It’s a reaction between the active components in a skin product and the sun which leads to irritation.
How can I treat contact dermatitis?
Does dermatitis go away?
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The first step of treating contact dermatitis is to identify an irritant and keeping away from it. You can avoid contact with an irritant by simply keeping a safe distance or using protective gear to ensure there is no skin contact. If specific soaps, lotions or agent are the cause, then they need to be gotten rid of. When you do this, the rash will go away.
Treating mild contact dermatitis reactions
If your irritant contact dermatitis rash requires additional treatment, non-prescription medications may be recommended. Antihistamine tablets can be used to control itching, while non-irritating moisturizer creams and corticosteroids can be applied to the rash to relieve symptoms. If antihistamines do not relieve itching, calamine lotion or oatmeal baths can soothe the skin.
Treating severe contact dermatitis
If the rash covers big parts of your body, you might require a prescription-strength cream or a systemic steroid, such as prednisone. Following the dosage, as prescribed by your dermatologist is very important. Take all the pills prescribed especially in the case of steroids. Oozing, crusting lesions or other extreme symptoms may require damp dressings as the doctor will advise.
Other treatments for contact dermatitis
Antibiotics for contact dermatitis
If the doctor deems the rash or skin as contaminated, then an antibiotic might be prescribed. Take the medication as prescribed, ensuring you finish the dosage.
Phototherapy for contact dermatitis
If contact dermatitis does not respond to systemic steroids or steroid creams, phototherapy might be the next option.
Immunosuppressant agents for contact dermatitis
If the above treatments fail, which it rarely does, then the doctor might try immunosuppressant drugs that suppress the immune action.
How can I treat contact dermatitis at home?
Lifestyle and natural home remedy for contact dermatitis
To help reduce itching and relieve swollen skin, try these self-care techniques:
Avoid the irritant or allergen to treat dermatitis
The secret to this is identifying what’s causing your rash and staying away from it. Your dermatologist might provide you a list of products that would potentially irritate your skin. Also, a list of alternative products that you can use instead of the irritants is helpful.
Contact dermatitis and jewelry
In case you are allergic to the metal in a piece of jewelry, you can still wear it, but you have to put something between the jewelry and your skin to protect the skin. A clear tape, for example, can be used to protect your skin from a bracelet.
Using anti-itch lotion or cream for contact dermatitis
A nonprescription cream with a minimum of 1 percent hydrocortisone can briefly ease your itch. Asteroid lotion might be used a couple of times a day for about 4 weeks.
Oral anti-itch drug for contact dermatitis
A nonprescription oral antihistamine or corticosteroid might be useful if your itching is severe.
Wet compresses for contact dermatitis
Put wet washcloths against the rash to relieve your skin. Leave it for 15 to 30 minutes. Repeat several times a day.
Stop scratching as it worsens dermatitis
Cut your nails; long nails will tear the skin. If you can’t control the scratching, cover the area with a dressing.
Soak in a cool bath to treat dermatitis
Spray baking soda or bath products with oatmeal in comfortably cool water and soak in it.
Take care of your hands to avoid dermatitis
Rinse and dry hands properly and gently after washing. Make use of moisturizers throughout the day.
How is contact dermatitis diagnosed?
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Your history and a physical exam are the typical ways of diagnosing contact dermatitis. Sometimes your doctor might want to do a patch test to see how the substance in question reacts to your skin. Your doctor can also choose to simply get rid of the suspected allergen. If there are signs of improvements after elimination, then the suspect is the likely culprit. The doctor can also diagnose the condition just by the location of the rash:
- If the rash is on the eyelids or face: Then it is likely caused by an irritant. Think of things you put on your face, like makeup for example.
- If the rash is on the scalp: Then the first suspect is the hair dyes. Anything else placed on the head can be the causes.
- If the rash is on your hands: Then you are probably using your hands a lot in your daily activities. Anything that touches your hand can be the cause.
- If the rash is on your neck: Then it must be the things you use on your neck. This can be the lotions, perfumes or neck jewelry.
- If the rash is in the underarms: Then the usual suspects; shaving products and deodorants, are suspected. Moreover, sweating can make clothes release some chemicals that can trigger contact dermatitis.
- If the rash is on the legs: Then the cause can be the topical medications, body creams, lotions, and dyes. Stockings can likewise contribute to this issue.
- If the rash is at the genital or rectal area: Then things like soaps can be the cause. Plus, whatever irritant your hands touch can eventually affect the genital area when you touch the area.
Risk factors for contact dermatitis
Some hobbies and jobs put you at greater threat of contact dermatitis. Examples include:
- Dental and health care employees
- Hairdressers
- Metalworkers
- Vehicle mechanics
- Construction workers
- Cooks
- Scuba divers or swimmers
- Cleaners
- Gardeners
Can dermatitis be caused by stress?
How stress affects the skin
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Stress has a great effect on your body. It can affect your entire body, including your nails, hair, and skin. Since it is a part of life, how you handle stress is what matters.Stress makes the skin more reactive and sensitive through a chemical response. Stress also increases the time taken by the skin to heal.
Stress worsens skin problems
Stress aggravates a number of skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea. It can likewise cause hives and other kinds of skin rashes and activate a flare-up of fever blisters.
Stress interferes with your skincare routine
If you’re stressed, you may skimp on this part of your regimen, which can exacerbate skin issues.
How can I prevent contact dermatitis?
General prevention steps for contact dermatitis
Avoid dermatitis irritants and allergens
Try to find and avoid substances that irritate your skin or cause an allergic reaction.
Wash your skin when you touch any dermatitis irritant
You may be able to eliminate most of the rash-causing compound if you wash your skin immediately after coming into contact with it. Use a mild soap that is fragrance-free.
Wear protective clothing to avoid allergens
Face masks, gloves, and safety glasses are among the protective clothing that can keep you safe from allergens.
Use moisturizers to prevent contact dermatitis
Regularly using hydrating creams can help restore your skin’s outer layer and keep your skin supple.
Be mindful of allergens around pets
Irritants from plants can stick on pets and after that be spread to people.
