Measures to Manage and Prevent Contact Dermatitis

Health Teaching: Measures to Manage and Prevent Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition in which individuals tend to show a strong immune response on coming into physical contact with any substances /allergens they are allergic to. These allergens/triggers that individuals respond to could differ from person to person. Avoiding contact with the triggering agent is the best measure to prevent activation of an episode and ease symptoms during a flare-up. In this post, we discuss different measures that patient can use to manage and prevent activation of contact dermatitis. Nurses taking care of patients with this health condition can use this nurse teaching as an example to include in their skilled nursing documentation or educate the patient and caregiver about the same. Measures to manage and prevent contact dermatitis include:

1. Proper trimming of the nails can help prevent scratching the skin and irritating it further. Having mittens on can also help prevent irritation of skin from the nails. Covering the affected skin with gentle cotton dressing can also help protect the skin from continued scratching and worsening of the dermatitis.
2. Have stock of OTC antiallergy medications readily available at home can help, as intake of medication at the earliest notice of dermatitis activation can help prevent further worsening of the condition.
3. Apply moisturizing cream all over every day. You can also apply coconut oil, sesame oil, olive oil, or jojoba oils all over the body and face, to moisturize the irritated skin. Moisture prevents excessive drying of skin and dermatitis activation.
4. Soaking the irritated skin in warm oatmeal bath for 15 minutes, pat drying the skin gently, and applying gentle moisturizer can ease the itch and prevent further irritation of the skin. Use mild soaps, shampoos, deodorants, and perfumes, as they could contain chemical triggering activation of dermatitis. Individuals with strong history of allergies to soaps and cosmetic products must prefer using products listed as hypoallergenic or unscented, to avoid a contact dermatitis response from developing.
5. Maintain a diary for contact allergies and update the diary as allergic symptoms are noted for any new source. Clean the skin with mild soap and warm water upon presentation with symptoms of dermatitis due to contact with any new agent, such as, clothing, perfume, or cosmetics. This helps to wash away the effect of the triggering agent on the skin. Blot the skin dry gently with a clean towel. Applying OTC calamine lotion or 1% hydrocortisone cream to the irritated skin can offer relief and help ease the itch.
6. Individuals with history of frequent exacerbation of contact dermatitis must strictly avoid contact with and stop handling the triggering agents. Also, individuals with this history must avoid changing cosmetics, moisturizers, oils, perfumes, soaps, shampoos, shaving creams, and clothing materials frequently and continue with items that appeal to the nature of their skin.
7. Individuals with history of plastic, latex, and rubber products must exercise extreme caution in choosing workplaces, as these products are extensively used in work environments. Notify your employer regarding your allergy to any of these products, so that, an alternative arrangement could be made. Having a medical alert bracelet displaying your allergy can significantly help.
8. Individuals can present with allergy to many dyes used during clothing manufacture and various textile products, such as, silk and polyester. Observing compliance with plain cotton clothing can help them prevent development of any contact dermatitis response.
9. Individuals with history of contact allergy to pet hair and fur must avoid having pets at home.
10. Individuals with history of allergy to plants must avoid lawn and gardening activities to avoid contact with the trigger. Having long-sleeved shirts, pants, and boots on while in the lawn or woods can help prevent exposure to the agent causing contact dermatitis.
11. Allergies to metals like gold, copper, iron, and nickel can be serious workplace hazard in respective industries. Such individuals must observe compliance with having appropriate gloves on, while on job, to prevent developing a contact dermatitis response. Individuals with life-threatening allergies must seek alternative industry towards employment, for a safer work environment.
12. Healthcare professionals with allergy to latex must observe caution to use vinyl gloves or note for latex-free branding on gloves before using them. They must also make sure to have gloves on before handling any of the medical equipment, such as, contraceptive devices, catheters, and surgical products, as latex is extensively used in their manufacture.
13. Children with latex allergy can be at significant risk for contact dermatitis, as latex is heavily used in manufacture of toys. Encourage compliance with toys made of cloth or wood, to prevent exposure to latex. Having a medical alert bracelet displaying the allergy can significantly help the daycare staff, teachers, and friends in avoiding any latex items around.
14. Hairdressers & beauticians, who are exposed daily to various cosmetics and cleaning staff, who are exposed to various cleaning agents, disinfectants, & bleach are at increased risk for presenting with contact dermatitis. Such individuals must observe compliance with having appropriate gloves and masks on, to prevent developing a dermatitis response.