What is Contact Dermatitis?
Contact dermatitis is an itchy rash that occurs after the skin comes into contact with a substance that causes inflammation.
Common causes of contact dermatitis include:
- Poison Ivy
- Nickel
- Detergents/lotions/soap
- Makeup
- Sunscreen/insect repellent
Symptoms of contact dermatitis include:
- Red rash that is in one specific area
- Bumps or blisters
- Itching, sometimes intensely
- Crusting, scaling, or flaking
- ‘Weeping’ or clear drainage from the rash
Contact Dermatitis Treatment
Treatment of contact dermatitis includes:
- Removal and avoidance of substance causing the reactions
- Keep your child’s hands clean and nails cut
- Avoid soap
- Cold compresses
- Topical steroid – either over the counter or prescription depending on how bad the rash is
- Unscented moisturizer
- Antihistamines like Benadryl can help in some cases
Sometimes rashes from contact dermatitis can become infected from your child scratching it. If this happens, your doctor might prescribe an antibiotic.
Check in With K If…
- You have general questions about your child’s condition
- You want general followup for your child
- You have questions about supportive care
- Your child’s symptoms don’t go away after treatment but are not alarming
See a Doctor in Person If…
- Your child’s rash becomes painful or looks infected
- Your child’s rash lasts for more than 3 weeks
- The rash spreads or gets worse