Guide To Treating Common Skin Problems
Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis can often be treated with home remedies, though there are medical options available as well. The most important thing is for patients to identify the source of the irritation and remove it from their environment. This will help their skin stop flaring. Ongoing contact dermatitis can be controlled with prescriptions. For instance, there are steroid ointments patients can apply to their affected skin. These suppress immune activity in the area, thereby reducing symptoms.
If a patient's symptoms are severe enough, they may be prescribed a course of antibiotics for infection, corticosteroids for inflammation, or antihistamines to reduce itching. Many anti-itch creams are also available at the pharmacy without a prescription. The most common one used for contact dermatitis is hydrocortisone. Finally, patients can moisten a washcloth and hold it to their skin for a half hour to help soothe the irritated area.