We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

How do I Choose the Best Allergic Dermatitis Treatment?

By Britt Archer
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 7,063
Share

Allergic dermatitis is a bothersome skin condition caused by contact with an irritating substance. Also called contact dermatitis, allergic dermatitis isn't life-threatening, but it can become a hindrance in day-to-day life due to discomfort, sores or rashes. Allergic dermatitis treatment measures vary from person to person based upon the source of the allergy and the person's individual lifestyle and needs. There is no single treatment that is best for everybody.

The best allergic dermatitis treatment is avoidance of the irritant or substance that causes the allergy, though this isn't always possible. The source of the irritation is different from person to person and the cause of allergic dermatitis isn't always readily apparent to the sufferer or doctors. Common irritants include poison ivy, soaps and personal care products and low-quality metals like nickel.

Mild to moderate cases of contact dermatitis can be managed with over-the-counter products containing anti-itch compounds, such as hydrocortisone. When used in the treatment of allergic dermatitis, these products can provide relief from itching as well as a reduction in inflammation. Other at-home allergic dermatitis treatments, such as wet compresses, are also viable options for mild to moderate cases. Non-prescription oral antihistamines and anti-inflammatory medications are also used by some as an allergic dermatitis treatment.

Non-prescription and home remedies are cost-effective and readily available at the onset of a rash. The convenience and low cost associated with these measures makes them ideal for many sufferers of contact dermatitis. For some, however, these measures are ineffective and provide little to no relief from the itching, rash, pain and blisters associated with severe cases of contact dermatitis.

Allergic dermatitis treatment for severe cases includes the use of oral corticosteroids. Corticosteroids are a class of drugs that mimic hormones naturally found in the body to suppress inflammation and the immune system. Allergic reactions are a result of the immune system working overtime to fight off a perceived threat, thus the immunosuppression provided by corticosteroids is beneficial in treating allergic dermatitis. Corticosteroids are not without risks, including weight gain, glaucoma, mood swings and an increased susceptibility to infection. Those already susceptible to these ailments should opt for another allergic dermatitis treatment if possible.

The symptoms of allergic dermatitis are similar to those of other ailments. Only a licensed medical professional can determine whether or not a rash is the result of allergic dermatitis. Speak to your doctor or another trusted health care professional about your symptoms and the best allergic or contact dermatitis treatment for you. Failure to seek proper medical care for an allergic dermatitis reaction that includes sores or blisters can result in a potentially life-threatening infection.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By anon270980 — On May 24, 2012

Can you have this on your face? My 84-year-old mother's are red and swollen and her cheeks are real red. She's on steroid pills now but they are only helping some.

Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/how-do-i-choose-the-best-allergic-dermatitis-treatment.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.