Contact Dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is inflammation that results from the application or inadvertent contact of the skin with a chemical or compound that directly irritates or damages the skin (irritant contact dermatitis), or causes an allergic reaction (allergic contact dermatitis). Contact dermatitis classically presents with a red, itchy rash that may ooze, blister, or crust. An example of an irritant contact dermatitis is a bleach burn or acid-base exposure, while an example of an allergic contact dermatitis is poison ivy or nickel-allergy.
Contact dermatitis can be very subtle and present with only slight redness, itching, and scaling. Care must be taken in identifying the cause and avoiding further exposure. Patch testing may be employed by your dermatologist to screen possible causes. Treatments often include topical, oral, or intramuscular steroids, with the possible addition of an anti-histamine. Cool compresses and Burow's (Domeboro) soaks three times per day may be particularly helpful. In cases of allergic contact dermatitis, Calamine lotion may be both soothing and drying to areas that ooze. Oatmeal baths have also been quite effective in helping with the symptoms.
Burow's (Domeboro) Soaks:
These soaks are used to dry weeping and oozing eczematous rashes. Here's how to make a compress:
* One packet dissolved in 16 ounces of water makes a modified Burow's Solution approximately equivalent to a 1:40 dilution; two packets, a 1:20 dilution; and four packets, a 1:10 dilution.
* Dissolve one or two packets in water and stir the solution until fully dissolved.
* Do not strain or filter the solution.
* Can be used as compress, wet dressing or as a soak.
AS A COMPRESS OR WET DRESSING:
+ Saturate a clean, soft, white cloth (such as a diaper or torn sheet) in the solution; gently squeeze and apply loosely to the affected area.
+ Saturate the cloth in the solution every 15 to 30 minutes and apply to affected area.
+ Discard solution after each use.
+ Repeat as often as necessary.
AS A SOAK:
+ Soak affected area in the solution for 15 to 30 minutes.
+ Discard solution after each use.
+ Repeat three times a day.
Active Ingredients: aluminum acetate in a resulting astringent solution buffered to an acid pH.
Don Mehrabi MD, FAAD
Dermatologist, Certified by the American Board of Dermatology
Los Angeles, California
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