Contact Dermatitis Cures
Dermatitis is a skin condition that is characterized by inflammation. This condition causes localized rashes as well as skin irritations. A foreign substance is usually responsible for the irritations on the skin. There are many common substances that could cause contact dermatitis. Some of the substances that are part of the causes of contact dermatitis include cosmetics, perfumes, chemicals, poisonous plants such as poison ivy, detergents, metals, and latex rubber. There are largely two types of contact dermatitis. The first and the most common is allergic contact dermatitis and the second is irritant contact dermatitis. Contact dermatitis symptoms depend on the kind of substance that has caused the irritation and the exact location of the contact dermatitis. Like all allergic reactions, this also occurs due to an overreaction of the immune system.
The immune system may overreact to any substance, usually proteins. As the antibodies are activated against the allergen, it causes rashes and sores on the body. Contact dermatitis can result in the formation of hives or rashes on the body. Contact dermatitis on face can lead to swelling and inflammation. The lips and the eyes may become swollen, just as the cheeks and the rest of the face. The inflammation of the face may cause difficulty in breathing. This is usually called a hypersensitivity problem and may lead to complications if treatment is not sought immediately.
Usually the initial exposure does not cause a rash. It may take the body some time to trigger off an allergic response. Only when the response is finally triggered, do the symptoms begin to show on the skin. There are some substances that may damage or irritate the skin directly upon use. This is known as irritant contact dermatitis. The reaction is more severe if the contact with the substance has remained for long. Industrial chemicals are usually responsible for such symptoms. However, for those who have a very sensitive skin, household chemicals like cleaners and solvents may also trigger contact dermatitis.
People with preexisting skin conditions are more prone to developing contact dermatitis and other skin conditions like it. The best contact dermatitis face treatment depends on the extent of the affect that the allergen has had. Contact dermatitis cures in children involves use of topical ointments. For more serious conditions, steroid based topical creams are used. Since irritant contact dermatitis causes cause immediate abrasions and irritations to the skin.
The best way to deal with this is to avoid touching the trigger and wash your hands well after touching any chemicals that may cause irritation to the skin. Irritant contact dermatitis cure can take some time, so it is best to clean up immediately after an exposure. If you develop any blisters, you can use cold compresses using a towel moistened with cold water. Apply this compress three times a day, thirty times each.
Oatmeal baths are recommended as a home treatment for contact dermatitis, especially if the rashes are itchy. You can also use calamine lotion to relieve itching. In some cases, oral histamines may be used, if the condition is especially severe. Oral histamines are usually not used until prescribed by a doctor. If the inflammation and the rashes are spreading, oral histamines may be the only resort.
Antihistamine lotions and ointments are used for severe allergic reactions. Some people may have allergic reactions to the antihistamine lotion itself. Therefore, self-medication is usually not recommended. In case you are allergic to the lotions, your condition may only get more severe. Do not use over the counter drugs before consulting it with a doctor or a dermatologist. For mild conditions, where the contact dermatitis covers only a small portion of your skin, you could use a hydrocortisone cream.
