Tips for Combating Allergic Contact Dermatitis

NKCH dermatologist Brian Matthys, DO, explains how the changing seasons can trigger skin issues like allergic contact dermatitis. While you can’t always avoid seasonal irritants altogether, you can learn what to look for and how to treat allergic contact dermatitis.

[johnnybutler]

I've had problems with many allergens affecting my skin. I have about 12 flare-ups a year being allergic to many, many irritants: house dust, garage dust, pet dander, dog hair, cats, rubber gloves, grass and leaves, saw dust, perfumes, wool, raw wood, and more. Benadryl helps and also drinking beer seems to help flare-ups, but I'm not a big drinker. The absolute best thing I've found is a little gross but it almost always works like a charm. I take a long, long hot bath and urinate in the bathwater as much as I can. The more you do, the better it works. This almost always works, but sometimes takes a few times to make it go away completely until the next flare-up. If I have to wear any kind of rubber gloves, my hands will get super dry to the point where my skin starts cracking open on my knuckles and creases on my fingers. It's often very painful. At this point I'll urinate in a big bowl for half the day and then soak my hands in it for about 2-3 minutes. It virtually gets rid of it instantly, however I will have hyperhydrosis on my hands for a week or so afterwards sometimes, which is far less uncomfortable and not painful. I hope this helps someone out there who has the same issues.

[tammyhiller]

I’ve had this for years the doctors I’ve seen have never been able to get rid of it . I have some on my scalp, back, shoulders, and right top of my breast

[catherinewylie]

Thank you! I did some mcroneedling (which I normally do without a problem) and used some Retin A a few days later and now I have what I think is contact dermatitis from other things going on my face - suncreen maybe. What a mess. It's just a dry, scaly malar rash that isn't really going away. It's more than just irritation. My grandfather always had Calamine lotion on hand. He had some skin issues.

[amberlamplabarge]

Why is my scalp full of scales? All my hair is falling out also!! My dermatologist said I have this but I cannot find anything about my scalp!!

[ruolov]

There have been studies of oral Vitamin D2 or Vitamin D3 that may reduce symptoms. Topical steroids must be used sparingly because it can also cause withdrawal or it may make the skin more thin or sensitive. Only use steroid creams with a doctor's order and if it doesn't treat it in a few days, make sure you talk with your doctor.

[Zisjejk]

Is ALL detergent hypo
Allergenic ?
For me I think tide and scented stuff is horrible
And bleach OMG I’m having a reaction so itchy and uncomfortable
Like ants are crawling under my skin ... this is terrible and I can’t sleep at night because that when it get worse
I might have to clean , only using baking soda and vinegar ..

[ruolov]

Calamine lotion didn't work. It actually made it worse because my skin became extremely dry.

[basitabayomi]

What was the treatment for severe cases? Oral something