What is contact dermatitis: How to soothe your skin and prevent flare-ups

How to prevent contact dermatitis: As tempting as it is, scratching only makes things worse. It can break the skin, slow healing, and open the door to infection (Image: Canva)

An itchy, red rash can show up out of nowhere, and it can be hard to figure out what caused it. Contact dermatitis happens when your skin reacts to something it touches. This could be an irritating chemical or an allergen like nickel or fragrance. Sometimes, the rash appears right away. Other times, it shows up days later, making it hard to trace the cause.

Even a product you’ve used for years can suddenly cause a reaction, especially if the formula has changed or your skin has become more sensitive.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, caring for contact dermatitis starts with avoiding the trigger. You may need help from a certified dermatologist to figure out what’s causing your rash. In the meantime, good skin care can help reduce discomfort and speed healing.

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Here’s all you need to know about contact dermatitis:

• Identify your triggers: Think back to what your skin may have touched in the past 24–72 hours. New soaps, jewelry, cleaning products, or even clothing tags could be the cause. A dermatologist can perform patch testing to help you pinpoint the exact substance behind your rash.

• Avoid known irritants: Once you know what causes your reaction, do your best to stay away from it. Common irritants include nickel (in jewelry or zippers), fragrances in lotions and detergents, preservatives in cosmetics, and certain household cleaners. Read product labels carefully and choose options marked: hypoallergenic or fragrance-free.

• Don’t scratch: As tempting as it is, scratching only makes things worse. It can break the skin, slow healing, and open the door to infection. Try distracting yourself, covering the area, or using itch relief treatments instead.

• Use cool compresses: A cool, damp cloth pressed against your rash for 10–15 minutes can reduce inflammation and soothe the itch. Do this a few times a day, especially when the itching feels intense.

• Apply anti-itch treatments: Over-the-counter creams with 1% hydrocortisone help reduce redness, swelling, and itchiness. Calamine lotion is also a great option, especially if your skin is blistered or oozing. Always apply with clean hands and avoid using more than directed.

• Soak in an oatmeal bath: Colloidal oatmeal (available at pharmacies) can provide immediate relief. Add it to a lukewarm bath and soak for 10–15 minutes. It soothes irritated skin and can help dry out areas that are weeping or inflamed.

• Moisturise after washing: Keeping your skin hydrated helps repair the skin barrier. Use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturiser or barrier repair cream right after bathing, while your skin is still damp, to lock in moisture.

• Test new products: Even gentle or natural products can cause reactions. Before using something new, apply a small amount on your inner arm and wait 24–48 hours to see if any redness or itching develops.

• Wash new clothes before wearing: Clothing straight off the rack often contains dyes and chemical residues from manufacturing. A quick wash with a gentle, fragrance-free detergent can help remove these hidden irritants.

• Keep a symptom diary: Tracking your flare-ups can reveal patterns. Note what products you used, clothes you wore, and any activities you did before the rash appeared. This information can be incredibly helpful for your dermatologist.

• Consult a dermatologist: If your rash keeps coming back, gets worse, or is very painful, don’t try to treat it on your own. A board-certified dermatologist can give you a proper diagnosis and a personalised care plan that actually works.