Contact eczema---which is also called contact dermatitis---is a medical term used to describe a localized skin reaction in response to coming in contact with an allergen or irritant. Symptoms of contact eczema include itching, burning or redness of the allergen- or irritant-exposed skin. You should speak with your doctor to discuss the treatments for contact eczema if you are diagnosed with this condition.
Irritant Avoidance
Common causes of contact eczema include nickel, a type of metal found in women's jewelry; rubber or latex; certain plants or medications; detergents; or adhesives. Contact eczema cannot be effectively treated if you are continually exposed to the irritant or allergen that elicits this allergic skin reaction. Identifying the irritant or allergen can allow you to recognize and avoid further contact with the causative substance. This can prevent recurrent skin irritation and can alleviate symptoms associated with current contact eczema outbreaks.
Skin Cleansing
If you have contact eczema and are exposed to a known irritant or allergen, washing the affected skin is the most immediate form of treatment, explains Medline Plus, an informational health website established by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The exposed skin can be cleansed thoroughly with clean, cold or lukewarm water. Washing the skin with water acts to remove the irritant from the skin and can help treat skin reactions associated with contact eczema. Do not use soap or detergent to cleanse the affected skin, as this may cause further irritation.
Topical Corticosteroids
If you develop skin inflammation, irritation or itching as a result of contact eczema, you can treat skin lesions through the use of topical corticosteroids. Depending upon the severity of your skin reaction, your doctor may recommend that an over-the-counter or prescription topical corticosteroid (cream, lotion or ointment) be applied to the affected skin region. Corticosteroids help alleviate inflammation and swelling that occur due to contact eczema. Additional topical treatments can include drying lotions, a wet dressing or a cool oatmeal bath.
Oral Medication
A severe contact eczema reaction may require the use of an oral antihistamine or corticosteroid medication to treat your skin symptoms. Typically, oral medicinal treatment for contact eczema is administered for approximately 12 days to ensure that the skin rash does not return, explains Medline Plus. During this time, the amount of oral medication you receive is gradually decreased (tapered). Such treatments help decrease inflammation and irritation, thereby alleviating symptoms associated with contact eczema.
