If you’ve ever gotten an itchy, blistery rash because of something you touched, you’re likely acquainted with contact dermatitis. Contact dermatitis is an inflammatory skin condition that will probably affect everyone at some point in their life. It can be caused by anything from cosmetics to soaps, chemical solvents, plants and certain medications. It can be painful, itchy and uncomfortable, but there are natural remedies for contact dermatitis and prevention tips to keep you safe.
What Is ‘Contact Dermatitis’?
Contact dermatitis is an itchy rash that occurs due to direct contact with a substance or an allergic reaction to it. Substances can include things like cosmetics, fragrances, clothing materials or dyes, jewelry, detergents, soaps, and plants. The rash can be super uncomfortable, but it’s not contagious and usually not serious. Although in most cases contact dermatitis isn’t cause for concern, you should seek medical attention if your rash is close to your eyes or mouth, covers a large area of your body, or doesn’t improve with home treatment.
There are two types of contact dermatitis:
Irritant Contact Dermatitis: This accounts for about 80% of contact dermatitis cases. It tends to come on quickly in response to an irritating substance and doesn’t involve an allergic reaction by the immune system. Common triggers include detergents, soaps, bleach, fragrances, or nickel-containing jewelry. Cosmetics, hair dye, and materials like wool can also trigger a reaction.
Allergic Contact Dermatitis: A delayed allergic reaction that appears as a rash a day or two after skin is exposed to an allergen. After exposure, the body creates an inflammatory reaction, leading to an itchy rash. Common allergens include poison ivy or oak, nail polish, fragrances and preservatives.
The rash can form anywhere on your body and lasts anywhere from a few days to a couple weeks. It typically goes away quickly if you identify what caused your reaction and stay away from it.
7 Symptoms of Contact Dermatitis
- Itchy, swollen rash
- Rash that’s red to purple, or darker than your natural skin tone
- Dry, cracked, scaly skin
- Stinging, pain and discomfort
- Bumps and blisters, sometimes with oozing or crusting
- Heightened sensitivity to the sun
- Lifestyle disruptions like sleep disturbances and difficulty concentrating or performing duties due to irritation
13 Common Causes of Contact Dermatitis
Common causes for irritant contact dermatitis:
- Nail polish remover or other solvents
- Rubber gloves
- Bleach and detergents
- Hair products
- Soaps
- Plants
- Fertilizers and pesticides
- Paints and varnishes
Common causes for allergic contact dermatitis:
- Metals, such as nickel
- Medications, such as antibiotic creams
- Body washes, hair dyes, and cosmetics
- Plants like poison ivy and mango
- Airborne allergens like spray insecticides
Anyone of any age can get contact dermatitis. People who work in certain professions have a higher risk of experiencing contact dermatitis if they’re repeatedly in contact with irritating allergens or chemicals. These professions include:
- Construction workers
- Florists
- Hair stylists
- Healthcare providers
- Janitors and plumbers
- Mechanics
- Artists
5 Natural Remedies for Contact Dermatitis
1. Leave Your Skin Alone and Stay Away from Irritants
Although it can be tough, avoid scratching your irritated skin as this can make your irritation worse or even cause a skin infection. If you know what caused your reaction, make sure to steer clear of it and stop using any products you think may be causing a problem. This will promote healing and prevent further outbreaks and symptoms.
2. Clean with Mild Soap and Apply Petroleum Jelly
When symptoms include blisters or lesions and they break open, the risk of infection and scarring increases, so it’s super important to keep the area clean and dry. Clean your skin with mild soap and lukewarm water to remove any irritants. Pat it dry with a clean cloth, then apply petroleum jelly to soothe and protect the skin from bacteria and fungi.
3. Soothe the Rash with Manuka Cream
Apply a healing cream, such as the YORO Manuka Skin Soothing Cream, made with manuka oil, manuka honey, organic tree nut-free oils and beeswax. It’s a gentle cream that can reduce infections and promote wound healing. Formulated for itchy, irritated skin, you can use it on the face and body for relief.
4. Eat Berries and Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Berries (especially blueberries and blackberries) are chock full of potent flavonoids that have strong anti-inflammatory properties known to strengthen connective tissue while reducing allergic reactions. Omega-3 fatty foods like salmon, mackerel, walnuts, chia seeds and flaxseeds support skin health, boost immune system response and lower inflammation. Boost your intake of these foods to help your body heal faster.
5. Colloidal Oatmeal Bath
Colloidal oatmeal helps to treat a wide range of inflammatory skin conditions due to the high levels of phenolic compounds found in oats. This is what’s thought to give them their healing, soothing attributes. To make an oatmeal bath, fill your tub with lukewarm water and blend in 1 cup of colloidal oatmeal. Soak for 10 to 15 minutes to soothe your skin.
7 Tips to Prevent Contact Dermatitis
- Avoid exposure to irritants and allergens
- Wash your skin right away if you come into contact with a rash-causing substance, such as poison ivy or poison oak
- Be extra aware of your surroundings when you’re out in nature
- Wear protective clothing or gloves when necessary (gardening, hiking, camping)
- Apply a barrier gel or cream, such as the YORO Manuka Skin Soothing Cream
- Regularly apply moisturizer to restore your skin and keep it soft and supple
- Stay dry and wear lightweight clothing outside to prevent further skin irritation
Contact dermatitis can be super uncomfortable and irritating. Use these tips to prevent and remedy contact dermatitis so you can get back to feeling your best!
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