Contact Dermatitis

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Contact dermatitis (der-ma-TI-tus) is a skin rash. It develops when your skin touches something that irritates it or causes an allergic reaction. Contact dermatitis is most commonly seen on the head and neck, arms, or skin fold areas. It can appear anywhere on your body where your skin has touched something that irritates it. Contact dermatitis can be caused by many substances that you use every day. This includes hair products, make-ups, or suntan lotions. It includes clothing like wool, leather, or fur, and metals such as nickel. You may get a rash from dyes, cleaning products, latex, and medicines. You may get a rash from foods or from touching plants such as poison ivy, oak, or sumac.
  
  
• A contact dermatitis rash may be red, itchy, or swollen. It may be dry and scaly, or wet and oozing. Some rashes are bumpy or have blisters. Contact dermatitis can be treated with medicines that your caregiver tells you to use. It is important to find out what is causing your rash. You may need "patch testing" (a skin test) if you do not know what is causing the problem. Then you can avoid skin contact with the irritating substance and prevent another rash.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Medicines:

• Always take your medicine as directed by your caregiver. If you feel it is not helping, call your caregiver. Do not quit taking it unless your caregiver tells you to.
  
  
• Keep track of the medicines you are taking and when and why you take them. Bring a list of your medicines or bring your pill bottles and eye drops when you see your caregiver. You may be taking a medicine that is causing your rash to be worse without even knowing it. Learn why you take each medicine. Ask your caregiver for information about your medicines.
  
  
• If you are taking antibiotics (an-ti-bi-AH-tiks), take them until they are all gone. Do this even if you feel well. Only use medicines that your caregiver has given to you. Do not use other products without talking to your caregiver first, because they may bother your skin.
  
  
• If you are taking medicine that makes you drowsy, do not drive or use heavy equipment.

How can I take care of my skin?

• Keep the irritated areas of your skin away from hot water, soap, sunlight, or chemicals. Avoid touching anything with acid or other substances that might sting or bother your skin.
  
  
• Put a compress on your rash. Dip a clean washcloth in cool water or Burow's solution. Wring it out and place it on your rash. Leave the washcloth on your skin for 15 minutes. Do this three times each day.
  
  
• If the area of irritated skin is too large to cover with a washcloth, take daily baths. Use cool or lukewarm water when bathing. Putting cornstarch, baking soda, or colloidal oatmeal powder in the water may help soothe and heal your skin. Pat your skin dry with a clean towel rather than rubbing it.
  
  
• Wear gloves if you need to touch the substance that may be causing your contact dermatitis. Throw away gloves if they have a hole in them.
  
  
• Once your rash is gone, do not let your skin become too dry. Use "fragrance-free" or "scent-free" creams and lotions. Use creams and lotions that your caregiver suggests. If your skin is very dry, try bathing every second day in lukewarm or cool water. Use mild soap or soap-free cleansers.
  
  
• Rinse your skin with lots of water if you touch something that you know will cause a rash.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have a fever (increased body temperature).
  
  
• You have signs of a skin infection. This includes swelling, tenderness, redness, warmth, or pus.
  
  
• Your skin rash is spreading or has not gotten better with treatment.
  
  
• You have new skin problems that may be caused by your treatment or medicines.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

You are having trouble breathing.

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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