DEFINITION
Contact dermatitis is a skin rash that can occur anywhere on the body, caused by contact with an irritating substance. It cannot be spread to another area on the body or to other persons.

FREQUENT SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

• Itching
• Skin redness
• Cracks in the skin
• Areas of the skin are weeping and oozing fluid.

• Some metals in jewelry
• Plants (poison ivy, poison oak)
• Certain topical medications
• Chemicals in some cosmetics and detergents
• Latex gloves.

• Avoid contact with any irritant which has caused the rash
• Wear protective gloves
• Protect skin from sunburn and other burns.
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EXPECTED OUTCOME
Symptoms can be controlled with treatment and avoidance of the irritant. Recurrence is common.

TREATMENT

• Avoid the chemical or material causing the skin eruption
• Wash the area thoroughly with soap to remove any remaining irritants
• Apply cold water compresses or ice for 20 minutes every three to four hours to reduce itching
• If the itch is more than mild, apply over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream or ointment every two hours until the itching is gone. Do not use on the face or diaper area without checking with your child's health care provider
• Encourage your child not to scratch (cut fingernails short)
• Use bath oil or mild soap instead of deodorant soap
• Pat skin dry, rather than rubbing it
• Reduce water temperature to lukewarm for bathing or other uses
• Minimize the use of harsh chemicals and detergents
• Apply a lotion to moisturize the skin.

• Fever or signs of infection (swelling, tenderness, redness, warmth) develop at the site of irritation
• Treatment does not relieve symptoms
• Symptoms interfere with your child's daily life, playing or sleeping.