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How Can Severe Dermatitis Be Treated?
Today I was diagnosed with Contact Dermatitis at Scripps Clinic. I ve had this before a few times...but only a small area. This time it s on both legs...weeping in some spots....and also starting to appear on my arms. It is extremely itchy to the point of waking me at night. I was given a steroid drink today and a prescription for a medication which can have numerous bad side effects....for anyone older. (I am 72; female; very active; sculpture...welding and working with steel; workout at gym and shower daily). My doctor advises not to take this medication unless absolutely necessary.) Anyway, my current question is, Will swimming make my condition worse?....I am using an indoor pool at the gym. My gut feeling is that I should not be using the steam room during a flareup?
Mon, 23 Jul 2018
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service.
I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.
If the swimming pool is well chlorinated and maintaining required standards then you can use, otherwise not. But even then there may be possibilities that some other people who come there may contaminate the water if they have any skin conditions. So it is advisable that till you are completely cured of your condition you need to avoid going to swimming pool.
And as far as your problem of contact dermatitis goes, there are various treatment modalities which i will mention. You need to consult a dermatologist and discuss what is best for you.
Avoid scratching your irritated skin if you think you may be experiencing contact dermatitis. Scratching can make the irritation worse or even cause a skin infection that requires antibiotics.
Instead, clean your skin with soap and lukewarm water to remove any irritants. One way to soothe the rash is to mix two tablespoons of baking soda in cool water. Soak a washcloth in the cool water, wring it out, and apply it to the skin. Other anti-itch treatments include calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream. You can purchase these items at most drugstores. Your doctor can prescribe a more potent steroid cream if these creams don’t soothe your skin.
Taking an antihistamine drug such as Diphenhydramine can help to cut down on itching and reduce your allergic response.
Avoid scratching your irritated skin if you think you may be experiencing contact dermatitis. Scratching can make the irritation worse or even cause a skin infection that requires antibiotics.
Instead, clean your skin with soap and lukewarm water to remove any irritants. One way to soothe the rash is to mix two tablespoons of baking soda in cool water. Soak a washcloth in the cool water, wring it out, and apply it to the skin.
Other anti-itch treatments include calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream. You can purchase these items at most drugstores. Your doctor can prescribe a more potent steroid cream if these creams don’t soothe your skin.
Taking an antihistamine drug such as Diphenhydramine can help to cut down on itching and reduce your allergic response.
Preventive tips:
Avoiding initial exposure to irritants can help prevent contact dermatitis symptoms. Try these tips:
1. Purchase products labeled hypoallergenic or unscented.
2. Refrain from wearing latex gloves if you have a latex allergy. Opt for vinyl gloves if you do need to wear gloves to protect your skin.
3. Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants when hiking in the wilderness.
4. Apply water-repellent petroleum jelly before putting on latex gloves to further protect your skin.
5. Apply hand lotions or creams to prevent your skin from drying out.
Regards-
Dr Sanjay Kini
I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.
If the swimming pool is well chlorinated and maintaining required standards then you can use, otherwise not. But even then there may be possibilities that some other people who come there may contaminate the water if they have any skin conditions. So it is advisable that till you are completely cured of your condition you need to avoid going to swimming pool.
And as far as your problem of contact dermatitis goes, there are various treatment modalities which i will mention. You need to consult a dermatologist and discuss what is best for you.
Avoid scratching your irritated skin if you think you may be experiencing contact dermatitis. Scratching can make the irritation worse or even cause a skin infection that requires antibiotics.
Instead, clean your skin with soap and lukewarm water to remove any irritants. One way to soothe the rash is to mix two tablespoons of baking soda in cool water. Soak a washcloth in the cool water, wring it out, and apply it to the skin. Other anti-itch treatments include calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream. You can purchase these items at most drugstores. Your doctor can prescribe a more potent steroid cream if these creams don’t soothe your skin.
Taking an antihistamine drug such as Diphenhydramine can help to cut down on itching and reduce your allergic response.
Avoid scratching your irritated skin if you think you may be experiencing contact dermatitis. Scratching can make the irritation worse or even cause a skin infection that requires antibiotics.
Instead, clean your skin with soap and lukewarm water to remove any irritants. One way to soothe the rash is to mix two tablespoons of baking soda in cool water. Soak a washcloth in the cool water, wring it out, and apply it to the skin.
Other anti-itch treatments include calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream. You can purchase these items at most drugstores. Your doctor can prescribe a more potent steroid cream if these creams don’t soothe your skin.
Taking an antihistamine drug such as Diphenhydramine can help to cut down on itching and reduce your allergic response.
Preventive tips:
Avoiding initial exposure to irritants can help prevent contact dermatitis symptoms. Try these tips:
1. Purchase products labeled hypoallergenic or unscented.
2. Refrain from wearing latex gloves if you have a latex allergy. Opt for vinyl gloves if you do need to wear gloves to protect your skin.
3. Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants when hiking in the wilderness.
4. Apply water-repellent petroleum jelly before putting on latex gloves to further protect your skin.
5. Apply hand lotions or creams to prevent your skin from drying out.
Regards-
Dr Sanjay Kini
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