DERMATITIS, CONTACT |
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General Information
DEFINITION--Skin inflammation caused by contact with an irritating substance, such as artificial turf, poorly fitting gear, excessive sweat or repeated application of adhesive tape. Contact dermatitis is not contagious.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Itching (sometimes).
Slight redness.
Cracks and fissures in the skin.
Bright red, weeping areas (severe cases).
CAUSES & RISK FACTORS
Contact with irritants, such as adhesive tape, acids or solvents. The irritant removes the fatty layer of skin. This causes dehydration and shrinking of surface cells.
Hot weather and increased sweating.
Constant exposure to hot water, soap and detergents, or any irritant that changes the moisture content of skin.
Burns from hot water or sunburn.
HOW TO PREVENT
Avoid contact with any irritant which has caused dermatitis in the past.
Protect skin from sunburn and other burns.
WHAT TO EXPECT
DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES
Your own observation of symptoms.
Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
SURGERYNot necessary nor useful for this disorder.
NORMAL COURSE OF ILLNESSSymptoms can be controlled with treatment and avoidance of the irritant. Recurrence is common, so intermittent treatment may be necessary for years.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONSPain and disfigurement of hands from constant lesions.
HOW TO TREAT
NOTE -- Follow your doctor's instructions. These instructions are supplemental.
MEDICAL TREATMENTUsually not necessary unless infection develops.
HOME TREATMENT
Avoid the chemical or material causing the skin eruption.
Use bath oil instead of soap for bathing.
Pat skin dry rather than rubbing it.
Reduce water temperature to lukewarm for bathing or other uses.
Use only cream, lotion or ointment prescribed for the condition. Other commercial products may aggravate the condition. Apply ointment or cream to hands 6 or 7 times a day. For other body parts, lubricate twice a day, especially after bathing.
MEDICATIONYour doctor may prescribe topical creams, ointments or lotions. These may include corticosteroid preparations to reduce inflammation or lubricants to preserve moisture.
ACTIVITYResume your normal activities gradually as irritation subsides.
DIETNo special diet.
CALL YOUR DOCTOR IF
You develop fever.
Signs of infection (swelling, tenderness, redness, warmth) develop at the site of irritation.
Treatment does not relieve symptoms in 1 week.
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