Treatment for allergic or irritant contact dermatitis may include home remedies such as cool compresses, moisturizers, and lukewarm baths. You may also require over-the-counter and prescription medications.

Contact dermatitis occurs when substances react with your skin. It can result in symptoms such as dryness and itchiness.

Treatment often begins by avoiding or removing the trigger as well as using an at-home skin care regimen. You may also require other medications prescribed by your doctor.

It’s also important to try and figure out the cause of the reaction and avoid contact with the irritant or allergen that triggers your dermatitis. Doing so allows your skin to heal and prevent future flare-ups. A doctor can help identify the cause if it’s unclear.

Read on to learn more about home remedies and medical treatments that may help with contact dermatitis. This article also looks at alternative treatments and when to contact a doctor.

Several home remedies may help with managing contact dermatitis.

Clean the affected area

If you’ve come into contact with an irritating substance, wash it off as soon as possible. If you’re unsure what caused the rash, taking a shower can reduce the likelihood of it lingering on the skin.

In some cases, it may be necessary to apply certain products to your skin. For example, the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology explains that applying the topical product Tecnu within 15 minutes of exposure to poison ivy may help prevent symptoms from developing.

Cool compresses

Apply a cool, damp cloth to the affected area to help control inflammation and itching.

Soaking the cloth in Burow’s solution, a solution of aluminium triacetate, may provide additional relief.

Over-the-counter (OTC) ointments

Some OTC products can help manage symptoms of contact dermatitis. Speak with a doctor or pharmacist to find out what they recommend based on what has triggered your symptoms.

Possible options include:

Antihistamines

OTC oral antihistamines like Benadryl, Zyrtec, or generic, store-brand allergy medication might help with allergic dermatitis.

If you’re frequently experiencing contact dermatitis due to minor allergies, a doctor may recommend prescription allergy medication to prevent future symptoms.

Oatmeal baths

Baths with colloidal oatmeal may help soothe symptoms of contact dermatitis.

Water should be lukewarm, not hot or cold. You can also add baking soda to lukewarm water to help with contact dermatitis.

Avoid scratching

Contact dermatitis is often itchy or uncomfortable, but scratching can sometimes make it worse by aggravating the area.

Cover the affected area with clothing or a bandage if you’re unable to resist the urge to scratch. If you need to alleviate the itch, the Allergy & Asthma Network recommends stroking the area with the top of the hand rather than scratching with the fingernails.

Learn more about remedies for itching.

Emollients

Using a gentle, hypoallergenic, fragrance-free emollient or moisturizer can both soothe and prevent contact dermatitis.

Speak with a doctor or pharmacist for advice on which emollient is best for you. Some are more suitable for very dry skin, while some are specially designed for sensitive areas like the face.

If your contact dermatitis is severe or persistent, your doctor may recommend corticosteroid skin creams or ointments to reduce inflammation.

Steroid creams are often available in low dose strengths over the counter. Your doctor may prescribe stronger corticosteroids.

It’s important to closely follow the directions. Corticosteroid misuse can lead to more serious skin problems.

For widespread or severe allergic reactions, oral or injectable corticosteroids may be suitable. You usually take them for 1 to 2 weeks. If you require them for longer, you may first need to stop using them for at least 2 to 4 weeks before beginning another course.

If your rash has become infected, your doctor may need to prescribe an antibiotic.

In all cases, follow your doctor’s recommendations for good skin care.

Learn more about steroid creams for eczema.

While some people need prescription medications to treat contact dermatitis, they can result in complications and side effects.

Oral or injectable corticosteroids, for example, can lower your resistance to infection. Examples of other possible side effects include:

Let your doctor know if you experience any side effects when using corticosteroids or any other medications. Your doctor can advise on whether you should discontinue use or take other steps to manage the side effects.

While more research is generally necessary, some natural remedies and alternative treatments may help manage symptoms of contact dermatitis.

Coconut oil can limit the growth of harmful skin bacteria and also has strong moisturizing properties when applied topically. Use cautiously, though. There have been cases of allergic reactions caused by coconut oil.

Honey, applied topically, has antibacterial and antiseptic properties. This may help with managing dermatitis symptoms.

Stop any alternative treatment immediately if you have a negative reaction.

It’s best to speak with a doctor for advice before trying natural remedies for contact dermatitis.

Contact a doctor if you believe you’re experiencing contact dermatitis for the first time. Your primary care physician may refer you to a dermatologist, a doctor who specializes in skin conditions.

A dermatologist can be helpful for recurring dermatitis. They can diagnose eczema and other types of dermatitis that could be occurring. They can also run tests and prescribe the necessary medications.

If dermatitis is possibly due to an allergic reaction, you may need to see an allergy specialist for allergy testing. This testing can help determine what you’re allergic to so you can avoid the allergen in the future.

Seek immediate medical advice if the rash develops alongside other symptoms of anaphylaxis or a severe allergic reaction.

Anaphylaxis is a severe reaction to a trigger, such as an allergy, and is potentially life threatening.

Symptoms can develop quickly and include:

  • feeling faint or lightheaded
  • difficulty breathing or wheezing
  • rapid heart rate
  • confusion
  • anxiety
  • clammy skin
  • collapsing or losing consciousness
  • hives
  • swelling
  • abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting

If you or someone nearby develops these symptoms:

  1. Check to see whether they have an epinephrine pen. If they do, read and follow the instructions to dispense the medication.
  2. Dial 911 or the local emergency number.
  3. Lay them down. If they have vomited, lay them on their side.
  4. Stay with them until emergency services arrive.

It’s possible for someone to need more than one injection of an epinephrine pen. If symptoms do not begin to clear after 5 minutes, give a second injection if one is available.

For mild cases of allergic or irritant contact dermatitis, you can try home remedies to alleviate symptoms. These can include taking steps to avoid known triggers, cleaning the area, applying a cool compress, using moisturizer, and taking a colloidal oatmeal bath.

Over-the-counter ointments and antihistamines may also help. A pharmacist can provide more information about what products may be suitable for you.

If contact dermatitis is severe or keeps coming back, it’s best to work with a doctor to determine the underlying cause and create a suitable treatment plan. A doctor may recommend corticosteroids or other medications.