Skin rashes are a common complication that people deal with, although the underlying reason behind it may differ. Even with different causes, many of us can agree that the typical symptoms are uncomfortable and unideal. That’s why it’s important to understand where the rash is coming from and how to treat it so that you can better handle the situation. Among the many different types of rash, contact allergic dermatitis is one of the possible causes of a person’s symptoms.
What Is Contact Allergic Dermatitis?
Contact allergic dermatitis, also referred to as a contact allergy, is caused by an allergic reaction to an allergen that comes in contact with the skin. It usually occurs 48 to 72 hours after exposure to the allergen, and its symptoms include:
- Red rash
- Itchy skin
- Dry, cracked skin
- Swelling and tenderness
- Bumps or blisters
Typically, the symptoms only show in areas that were exposed to the allergen. However, it may extend outside of the original area due to a delayed reaction or as a consequence of accidentally spreading it with your hands. To prevent this from happening, make sure to wear protective clothing or gloves, wash your hands often, apply a barrier cream or gel, and wash the infected areas regularly.
Common causes of allergic dermatitis include:
- Personal care products (deodorants, body wash, perfume, etc.)
- Airborne substances (such as pollen)
- Medications
- Soaps and detergents
- Plants
- Solvents
- Nickel
- Dust and soil
Although these are some of the most common causes, there are many other possible allergens. That’s why if you experience contact allergic dermatitis, you should consider what you were doing before you got it, if you had contact with anything unusual, and if it’s happened before. This will help you identify the underlying cause.
How to Get Rid of Contact Dermatitis Fast
Contact dermatitis can be uncomfortable, embarrassing, and can spread to other parts of your body if you’re not careful. In order to treat it as soon as possible, you should be prepared to go to your doctor, but there are also measures that you can take from home.
Home Remedies
Although you should see a doctor to better treat your condition, there are things that you can do at home to reduce your symptoms.
- Wash your hands: In order to prevent the rash from spreading, you should wash your hands regularly.
- Avoid scratching: Scratching will irritate the rash and possibly cause it to spread. You can help prevent scratching by keeping the area covered and/or by relieving your symptoms with the following tips.
- Use anti-itch cream: There are many nonprescription creams that you can purchase for this exact reason. Consider steroid ointment, calamine lotion, or ask your pharmacist or doctor for a recommendation.
- Apply a wet washcloth: Hold a cold, wet washcloth against the irritated patch of skin for 20 minutes to help relieve symptoms.
- Moisturize: Apply moisturizer as a barrier for dry, cracked skin. Make sure to use fragrant-free, hypo-allergenic products.
See Your Doctor
Many times the rash will go away on its own, and although the home remedy may help, your doctor will give you a more permanent solution. Before heading to the doctor, you can prepare by making note of anything that they may need to know. This can include: when the rash started, if the symptoms are recurring, if there are any new products that you’re using that could have caused the reaction, and anything else that may be important.
After reviewing your medical history and the severity of the rash, your doctor will give you a treatment plan. This can include a combination of home remedies and prescriptions, such as medicated creams and oral medications to help relieve itching, reduce inflammation, and fight bacterial infections. Your doctor may also refer you to an allergy specialist or dermatologist to pinpoint the cause of your allergic dermatitis so that you can identify what you’re allergic to. By being aware of your allergen, you can prevent contact with it in the future.
If you can avoid the substance that you’re allergic to, then symptoms will usually clear after 2 to 4 weeks. In order to get rid of your symptoms as fast as possible, you should talk with your doctor about a specialized treatment plan, see a specialist to pinpoint the cause of your reaction, and relieve your symptoms with home remedies.
