Contact dermatitis is a local skin reaction. Common substances that cause contact dermatitis include soap, jewelry, cosmetics, grasses or weeds, poison ivy or poison oak. If the face comes into contact with these substances, they may cause a red, itchy rash that can typically last a few weeks. In most cases, home care measures can relieve the rash and reduce symptoms. A patient should be aware of available treatments. Consult your doctor if conditions persist or get worse.
Face washing
MedlinePlus says washing should be the first step when contact dermatitis occurs. After exposure with the allergen, a patient should thoroughly wash his face with soap and water as soon as he can. The longer the allergen stays on the skin, the worse the contact dermatitis rash may become. To reduce inflammation, patients should use cold water as opposed to hot water. If the rash doesn't resolve or gets worse, he should see his doctor.
Topical Creams
If the rash does not resolve with face washing, over-the-counter topical creams may be effective for treating symptoms. MedlinePlus states that corticosteroids skin creams or ointments may be applied to the rash to reduce itching and inflammation. A patient must closely follow the instructions on the drug label to avoid overuse, which can lead to serious systemic side effects. In addition, some formulation of creams should not be applied to the face. In most cases, a patient should not use a corticosteroid cream for more than a week without seeing a doctor. Other topical treatments include anti-itch medications that do not contain corticosteroids, which should also be used as directed on the drug label.
Prescription Medications
In more severe cases, oral, prescription medications, such as corticosteroids, may be used to reduce symptoms and inflammation. In most cases, corticosteroids are administered at a mild to high dose and are tapered over five to 12 days to prevent side effects and recurrence of the rash, states MedlinePlus. A patient should let his doctor know if the prescribed corticosteroid was ineffective for treating the rash so other treatment options can be explored.
