CONTACT DERMATITIS
Essentials of Diagnosis
•
The eruption begins at the contact with the
causative agent.
•
Site gives a clue to the probable allergen, i.e.
at wrist due to watch, in axilla due to deodorant, at dorsum of foot due to
nylon socks, at lips due to lipstick, etc.
Treatment
o
All suspected allergens should be avoided. The
use of soap should be prohibited.
o
Patient should be instructed not to scratch.
Scratching may spread the eruption.
o
Hydrocortisone in lotion is effective both as an
antipruritic and as an anti-inflammatory agent.
o
Antihistaminic should be given orally 1 tab bd
for 2-3 weeks.
o
After recovery patient may be advised not to get
himself exposed to the allergen again.
Acute weeping dermatitis
Lactocalamine lotion or Flucort H cream to be applied twice
a day for 7 days.
Subacute lesions
Zovate or Beclate cream twice a day for 7 days.
Chronic lesions
Cortilate or Dermozyme ointment twice daily for 2 weeks.
If marked lichenification
Dipsalic or Reziderms ointment. If extensive and chronic.
Tab Prednisolone 2 bd for 10 days then 1 bd × 10 days.
