<Things you should know> Correct knowledge about "contact dermatitis" (2) Prevention and treatment of contact dermatitis Methods to prevent contact dermatitis How to deal with contact dermatitis (rash) How to treat a rash in a baby or child This article explains common problems associated with contact dermatitis (rashes). "Contact dermatitis" is a skin irritation that occurs when something touches the skin. If you experience redness, bumps, or itching on any part of your body due to contact dermatitis, what should you do? Also, how can you prevent it? We will explain in detail, supervised by a dermatologist. Methods to prevent contact dermatitis To prevent skin irritation, please pay attention to the following in your daily life. Do not touch the causative substance directly. In general, try to avoid direct contact with substances that can cause skin irritation, such as detergents, metals, and plants, in your daily life. For example, when doing housework or work, it's a good idea to protect your hands and palms with rubber or polyvinyl chloride gloves. How to deal with contact dermatitis (rash) For skin irritation (contact dermatitis), the following are some common treatment methods:For mild symptoms, you can try treating them yourself at home first. If the symptoms do not subside, you should see a dermatologist. If you are dealing with it at home Remove the causative substance immediately. If you experience symptoms such as itching, redness, or swelling on your skin after using cosmetics or other products, immediately wash away the offending substance with water. Do not touch or rub it with your hands. Even after removing the causative substance, avoid touching, rubbing, or scratching the affected area, even if it itches. If your face is irritated, avoid using hot water when washing your face; instead, use water or lukewarm water. When removing makeup, use a gentle cleanser. However, if your symptoms are severe, you should refrain from wearing makeup altogether. When drying your face with a towel, pat it gently.When applying skincare products (lotion, emulsion, moisturizer, etc.), try to do so with your hands as much as possible, and avoid rubbing your skin with cotton pads or similar materials. It's also important to use a sunscreen that is gentle on the skin, depending on the season and weather. If your symptoms do not subside, consult a specialist for examination and treatment. When receiving treatment at a dermatology clinic Undergo a patch test to identify the cause. The first thing you need to do is eliminate the root cause of the symptoms. To do this, you need to estimate the cause. By seeing a doctor, examining the affected area and taking a medical history, it becomes easier to estimate the causative substance.If the causative substance cannot be identified, or if you want to determine its identity, a patch test will be performed. In a patch test, the suspected substance is applied to a cloth, either directly or diluted with a liquid or ointment, and then stuck to the skin. Clothing, cosmetics, and leather are applied directly to the skin. After 48 hours, the cloth is removed, and the skin is checked for redness, swelling, or blistering. If possible, the skin is then monitored for up to a week. Itching may occur, but it is rare for itching to occur without redness, so itching itself is not included in the diagnostic criteria.If the skin reaction changes with concentration, it can be diagnosed as primary irritant contact dermatitis. If the skin reaction occurs regardless of concentration, it can be diagnosed as allergic contact dermatitis. However, even with allergic contact dermatitis, higher concentrations tend to result in stronger reactions. The substance that causes the symptoms Once the cause has been identified based on an explanation from your doctor, it is important to avoid the offending substance. If you have undergone a patch test, be sure to check what products contain that ingredient before using them. Receive treatment Typically, topical steroid creams with anti-inflammatory properties are prescribed for areas showing symptoms of rash. Moisturizers may also be used for skincare. If redness, swelling, or heat is present, a cold compress may be applied.In addition, if the inflammatory response is severe or the symptoms are widespread, oral steroids, antihistamines, anti-allergic drugs, or anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed for a short period. How to treat a rash in a baby or child Babies and children can sometimes develop skin rashes. Let's look at the causes and treatments for such cases. Common body parts and causes in babies The following are some of the areas and causes where babies are prone to developing skin rashes: butt When it occurs on the buttocks, the cause is often diapers. Redness appears in the areas that come into contact with the diaper, especially around the vulva and anus. Blisters and sores may also develop. Causes include irritation from ammonia and proteases contained in excretions such as urine and feces, as well as friction from diapers and enclosed environments. face It's common for babies to develop rashes around their mouths due to irritation from their saliva. Additionally, friction from wiping away saliva, dryness after wiping, and irritation from food can cause inflammation and rashes around the cheeks and mouth. How to treat a baby's rash Change diapers frequently. If your baby develops a diaper rash, change their diaper frequently. When changing diapers, gently wipe the area with a towel wrung out in water or lukewarm water.If drool rash occurs, gently wipe the affected area frequently with water or lukewarm water using a towel. Then, protect the skin with a moisturizer. If there is redness and the baby seems itchy, apply medication. Apply medicine Another option is to apply an over-the-counter diaper rash cream. Visit a dermatologist. If your symptoms do not subside or worsen, you should see a dermatologist. This article explains common problems associated with contact dermatitis (rashes). Is the rash contagious? Skin rashes are not contagious. Skin rashes occur when some kind of irritant or a specific substance (such as a plant) comes into contact with the skin. Can false eyelashes cause allergic reactions? I sometimes get a rash from the adhesive used to apply false eyelashes. Are over-the-counter anti-itch creams effective as first aid? Over-the-counter anti-itch creams are effective. However, if your symptoms don't improve after using them for about two weeks, there might be another underlying cause, so you should see a doctor as soon as possible. Do you have any skin rashes with an unknown cause? There are many causes of skin rashes, and you may be affected in some way without even realizing it. When consulting a dermatologist, it is important to accurately describe when the skin symptoms first appeared, how they have changed, any other symptoms you were concerned about, and any foods you ate recently or any medications you were taking at the time. Supervised by: Dr. Masako Hirata, Director of My Clinic MejiroMedical Doctor, Board Certified Dermatologist, Japan Medical Association Industrial Physician, International Certified Traditional Chinese Medicine Dietitian. Graduated from Nihon University School of Medicine and worked at Tokyo Medical University Hospital. After retirement, she returned to the front lines of clinical practice, treating over 500 patients daily. Subsequently, in 2003, she opened "My Clinic Mejiro," a specialized outpatient clinic for women, and assumed the position of Chairperson and Director. We take care to post accurate information,Please point out any incorrect information. Please submit any comments regarding medical information here. 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