Treatment - Contact dermatitis

If you identify and avoid the substance that causes your contact dermatitis, your symptoms can improve.

Treatments can ease your symptoms if you cannot identify or avoid the substance.

Avoiding the cause

An important step in treating contact dermatitis is to identify the substance that causes your symptoms. If you can avoid or reduce your contact with the substance, your symptoms can improve.

It's not always easy to identify or avoid the substance. Your pharmacist, GP or dermatologist can suggest ways to reduce your contact.

If you're in contact with irritants as part of your job, wear protective clothing to reduce contact. Tell your employer about your condition so they can help you avoid the causes.

Emollients

Emollients are moisturising treatments that you put on your skin. They help to reduce water loss and cover your skin with a protective film.

There are many types of emollients. You may need to try a few to find one that works for you. Your GP may recommend a mix of emollients.

Use your emollient often and in large amounts. It can help to keep separate supplies of emollients at work or school.

If you have contact dermatitis, your skin can be sensitive. If your skin reacts to an emollient, stop using it and speak to your pharmacist. They may recommend a different product.

Types of emollients and how to use them

Topical corticosteroids

Contact dermatitis can cause skin to become:

• red, if you have white skin
• dark brown, purple or grey, if you have black or brown skin

If your skin is also sore and inflamed, your GP may prescribe a topical corticosteroid. Topical corticosteroids are creams or ointments that you put on your skin. They can quickly reduce the inflammation.

Corticosteroids are a safe and effective treatment for contact dermatitis. You must follow the instructions from your pharmacist or GP.

Types of topical corticosteroids and how to use them

Strength of topical corticosteroid

Your GP can prescribe different strengths of topical corticosteroids. The strength depends on your symptoms and the affected area.

Your GP may prescribe a stronger cream for:

• short-term use for severe dermatitis
• areas of thicker skin, such as your palms and the soles of your feet

Your GP may prescribe a weaker cream for:

• mild dermatitis
• areas of thinner skin, such as your face, genitals or in the creases of your joints

Using topical corticosteroids

Follow the instructions from your GP. If they did not give instructions, follow the directions on the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine. The leaflet gives details of how much to use.

Most people only have to use a topical corticosteroid once a day.

1. Put on the topical corticosteroid. Put a thin layer on all the affected areas.
2. After about 30 minutes, put on the emollient.

The treatment can start to have an effect within a few days. Contact your GP if you are using a topical corticosteroid and your symptoms do not improve.

Side effects of topical corticosteroids

Topical corticosteroids may cause a mild burning or stinging sensation for a short time when you put them on your skin.

See the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine for a full list of possible side effects. Most side effects improve when the treatment stops.

If you use a strong topical corticosteroid or use a large amount of topical corticosteroid, your risk of side effects increases. Use the weakest and smallest amount possible to control your symptoms.

Other treatments

If you have severe contact dermatitis that covers a large area of your skin, your GP may prescribe corticosteroid tablets.

If treatment from your GP does not improve your symptoms, they may refer you to a dermatologist for testing or treatment.

Treatment from a dermatologist may include immunosuppressant therapy. Immunosuppressant therapy includes medicines that reduce inflammation by suppressing your immune system.