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DERMATITIS, CONTACT

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.

    SURGERY

    Not necessary nor useful for this disorder.

    NORMAL COURSE OF ILLNESS

    Symptoms can be controlled with treatment and avoidance of the irritant. Recurrence is common, so intermittent treatment may be necessary for years.

    POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

    Pain and disfigurement of hands from constant lesions.

    HOW TO TREAT

    NOTE -- Follow your doctor's instructions. These instructions are supplemental.

    MEDICAL TREATMENT

    Usually 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.

    MEDICATION

    Your doctor may prescribe topical creams, ointments or lotions. These may include corticosteroid preparations to reduce inflammation or lubricants to preserve moisture.

    ACTIVITY

    Resume your normal activities gradually as irritation subsides.

    DIET

    No 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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