Contact dermatitis (CD), Irritant contact dermatitis (ICD), Management, Patch test, Subtypes, Systemic contact dermatitis.
Root Cause of Disease
Contact dermatitis is caused by exposure to a substance that irritates your skin or triggers an allergic reaction. The substance could be one of thousands of known allergens and irritants. Often people have irritant and allergic reactions at the same time. Irritant contact dermatitis is the most common type.
Symptoms
- Your skin itches, turns red, is hyperpigmented or pink, magenta, burns, and stings
- Itchy bumps called hives may appear on your skin
- Fluid-filled blisters can form that may ooze and crust over
- Over time, the skin may thicken and feel scaly or leathery
Causes
Contact dermatitis happens when you touch a substance that irritates your skin or causes an allergic reaction. The most common causes are:
- detergents
- bleach
- jewellery
- latex
- nickel
- paint
- poison ivy and other poisonous plants
- skin care products, including makeup
- soaps and perfumes
- solvents
- tobacco smoke
Home Remedies to treat Contact Dermatitis
Remedy – 1:
Materials Used: Coconut oil
Coconut oil, which has been shown to limit the growth of harmful skin bacteria, also has strong moisturizing properties when applied topically. Use cautiously though, as there have been cases of allergic reactions caused by coconut oil.
Product Link: Coconut Oil
Remedy – 2:
Materials Used: Honey
Honey, applied topically, has antibacterial and antiseptic properties.
Procedure:
- Apply honey to the affected areas.
- Apply it gently and smoothly.
Product Link: Honey
Other Remedies
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil has anti-inflammatory properties that could soothe irritation and is great for treating eczema. To use tea tree oil, you must first mix it with a carrier oil such as jojoba oil. This is because using tea tree oil in its undiluted state could cause certain side effects such as minor irritation.
Turmeric
Turmeric is one of the eczema home remedies in India. It is anti-inflammatory and has wound healing properties which makes it a great option when treating eczema. To use this herb, you can mix a spoonful of turmeric powder with some honey and apply it to the affected area. Let it sit for a few minutes before washing it off with water.
Apple Cider Vinegar
This can also be treated using apple cider vinegar. To do this, add about two portions of apple cider vinegar to a warm bath. This will help in reducing inflammation on the skin and also reduce dryness.
Preventions
You can take the following steps to help prevent contact dermatitis:
- Avoid irritants and allergens: Try to identify and avoid the cause of your rash. For ear and body piercings, use jewelry made of hypoallergenic material, such as surgical steel or gold.
- Wash your skin: For poison ivy, poison oak or poison sumac, you might be able to remove most of the rash-causing substance if you wash your skin right away after coming into contact with it. Use a mild, fragrance-free soap and warm water. Rinse completely. Also wash any clothing or other items that may have come into contact with a plant allergen, such as poison ivy.
- Wear protective clothing or gloves: Face masks, goggles, gloves and other protective items can shield you from irritating substances, including household cleansers.
- Apply an iron-on patch to cover metal fasteners next to your skin: This can help you avoid a reaction to jeans snaps, for example.
- Apply a barrier cream or gel: These products can provide a protective layer for your skin. For example, a non-prescription skin cream containing bentoquatam (Ivy Block) may prevent or lessen your skin’s reaction to poison ivy.
- Use moisturizer: Regularly applying moisturizing lotions can help restore your skin’s outermost layer and keep your skin supple.
- Take care of pets: Allergens from plants, such as poison ivy, can cling to pets and then be spread to people. Bathe your pet if you think it got into poison ivy or something similar.
