Contact dermatitis

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Dermatitis, close-up of allergic contact	Dermatitis, contact	Dermatitis, contact on the cheek	Dermatitis, nickel on the sole
Dermatitis, pustular contact	Latex allergy	Phytophotodermatitis on the hand	Poison ivy on the knee
Poison ivy on the leg	Poison oak rash on the arm	Poison plants

Dermatitis - contact; Allergic dermatitis; Dermatitis - allergic; Poison ivy; Poison oak; Poison sumac

Initial treatment includes thorough washing with lots of water to remove any trace of the irritant that may remain on the skin. Further exposure to known irritants or allergens should be avoided.

In some cases, the best treatment is to do nothing to the area.

Topical corticosteroid medications may reduce inflammation. Carefully adhere to instructions when using topical steroids because overuse of these medications, even low-strength over-the-counter topical steroids, may cause a troublesome skin condition. In severe cases, systemic corticosteroids may be needed to reduce inflammation. These are usually tapered gradually over about 12 days to prevent recurrence of the rash.

Wet dressings and soothing, antipruritic (anti-itch), or drying lotions may be recommended to reduce other symptoms.

Contact dermatitis usually clears up without complications within 2 or 3 weeks but may recur if the causal agent cannot be identified or avoided. Change of occupation or occupational habits may be necessary if the disorder is caused by occupational exposure.

Secondary bacterial skin infections may occur.

Call your health care provider if symptoms indicate contact dermatitis and it is severe or there is no improvement after treatment.

Review Date: 05/03/2006
Reviewed By: Michael S. Lehrer, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.