Contact Dermatitis Management Plan

Understanding Your Condition

Contact dermatitis is a skin inflammation that occurs when you come into contact with substances that irritate your skin or cause an allergic reaction.

Identifying Triggers

• Common irritants:
  • Soaps and detergents
  • Cleaning products
  • Cosmetics and fragrances
  • Metals (especially nickel)
  • Latex products
  • Plants (e.g., poison ivy)

Treatment Steps

Immediate Actions

1. Remove or avoid the triggering substance
2. Gently wash affected area with mild soap and lukewarm water
3. Apply cool compresses to relieve itching and burning

Medication Plan

• Topical treatments:
  • Prescribed corticosteroid cream as directed
  • Over-the-counter hydrocortisone (1%) for mild cases
  • Calamine lotion for itch relief
• Oral medications:
  • Antihistamines for severe itching
  • Prescribed oral steroids (if recommended)

Skin Care Routine

1. Keep affected areas clean and dry
2. Use fragrance-free moisturizer after bathing
3. Avoid scratching or rubbing the affected area
4. Wear loose, cotton clothing

Prevention Strategies

• Identify and document triggers
• Use protective gloves when handling potential irritants
• Apply barrier creams before exposure to known irritants
• Read product labels carefully

When to Seek Medical Attention

• Severe or spreading rash
• Signs of infection (warmth, swelling, pus)
• Fever
• Blistering or open sores
• No improvement after 7-10 days of treatment

Follow-up Care

Schedule follow-up appointments as recommended by your healthcare provider.

Keep this plan accessible and update as needed with your healthcare provider.