Treatment

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]Sumanth Khadke, MD[2], Ogechukwu Hannah Nnabude, MD


Overview

Compliance with avoidance is important. The key to avoidance is proper evaluation and detection of causative allergen. Wear appropriate clothing to protect against irritants at home and in a work environment. [1] [2]


Treatment

High-potency topical corticosteroids, e.g. clobetasol propionate 0.05% cream, may be used to reduce the inflammation. [3] As a general rule, high-potency corticosteroids should not be used on thin skin, e.g. face, genitals, intertriginous areas, to avoid the risk of skin atrophy. Antihistamines such as hydroxyzine and cetirizine are recommended to control pruritus. Systemic steroids are advised in severe cases but should be tapered gradually to prevent recurrences. Friction should be avoided as well as the use of soaps, perfumes, and dyes. Emollients are used for hydrating the skin. Tacrolimus ointment and pimecrolimus cream are immunomodulating drugs that inhibit calcineurin and are helpful in allergic contact dermatitis.



Reference

  1. Soltanipoor M, Kezic S, Sluiter JK, de Wit F, Bosma AL, van Asperen R; et al. (2019). "Effectiveness of a skin care programme for the prevention of contact dermatitis in healthcare workers (the Healthy Hands Project): A single-centre, cluster randomized controlled trial". Contact Dermatitis. 80 (6): 365–373. doi:10.1111/cod.13214. PMC 6593800 Check |pmc= value (help). PMID 30652317.
  2. Nedorost S (2018). "A diagnostic checklist for generalized dermatitis". Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 11: 545–549. doi:10.2147/CCID.S185357. PMC 6217130. PMID 30464569.
  3. Vernon HJ, Olsen EA (1990). "A controlled trial of clobetasol propionate ointment 0.05% in the treatment of experimentally induced Rhus dermatitis". J Am Acad Dermatol. 23 (5 Pt 1): 829–32. doi:10.1016/0190-9622(90)70297-u. PMID 2147698.