Contact allergies, or allergic contact dermatitis conditions, affect the skin when some people touch irritating substances. Triggers vary by individual but may include plant oils, chemicals, metals and animal dander. An itchy, painful rash characterizes this type of allergic reaction.
Doctors unanimously prescribe home treatment, along with some oral and topical drug options for pain and itching relief. The Mayo Clinic reports that without treatment and re-exposure, contact dermatitis rashes generally disappear on their own in a month's time. Self-care can hasten a return to health.
First Aid
First-aid home treatment consists of washing the affected skin immediately with soap and water. Patients with contact allergies should also clean clothing or other household items that have touched the same irritant right away.
The University of Maryland (UM) Medical Center notes that sometimes quick cleansing can prevent symptoms of allergic reaction to poison ivy and other allergenic substances. Further home treatments can then take place, but in some cases, simply leaving the skin alone affords the best opportunity for self-healing. This entails not scratching any itchy patches.
Over-the-Counter Remedies
Symptoms of contact dermatitis, however, may be too insistent to ignore. If itching disturbs patients' sleep or scratching breaks the skin, they should turn to medicinal help to treat itching and weeping sores. Topical remedies include over-the-counter hydrocortisone creams and drying lotions such as calamine, suggests the UM Medical Center.
For stronger relief, patients can purchase and take oral antihistamine medications such as diphenhydramine without a prescription. Very severe contact allergies may require prescription oral corticosteroid drugs.
Hydrotherapy
The effectiveness of medicines can fade before the time comes to take the next dose, leaving patients uncomfortable and vulnerable to scratching. The Mayo Clinic recommends water-based home treatments to soothe symptoms of contact allergies: Cool, wet dressings relieve inflammation while protecting the skin from scratches. Some body areas can't easily be bandaged, so patients can alternatively immerse themselves in cool baths that have been sprinkled with baby oatmeal or baking soda. Stores stock commercial oatmeal bath preparations as well.
Avoidance
Part of treating contact dermatitis consists of locating the allergen that set off the condition. According to the Mayo Clinic, substance allergies that develop in adults remain for life. Patients should learn which items to avoid and take precautions to prevent contact with substances that they can't avoid.
People with occupational allergies, for example, may need to wear gloves or other protective clothing. Individuals who get symptoms from contact with ingredients in household products can read package labels to avoid buying items that contain the suspected allergens.
