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Treatment of contact dermatitis

Treatment of contact dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is an inflammatory skin condition that develops as a result of contact with substances that cause irritation or an allergic reaction. Most often, changes appear on areas that directly come into contact with the irritant and may manifest as redness, itching, rashes, or swelling.

At the «Oxford Medical» medical center, experienced dermatologists are available. They will help determine the cause of dermatitis and select an effective treatment method, taking into account individual characteristics.

You can make an appointment at any time convenient for you — call our contact center or use the online appointment form on the website.

Contact Dermatitis: Causes

Contact dermatitis develops in response to the direct impact of external factors on the skin.

The most common causes of contact dermatitis are:

  • Irritating factors. These are substances that damage the protective skin barrier upon direct contact. They include household chemicals, detergents, acids, alkalis, solvents, cement, paints, etc., as well as prolonged contact with water or friction.
  • Allergens. In these cases, dermatitis occurs due to individual hypersensitivity. Reactions may be caused by cosmetic products, perfumes, metals, latex, dyes, topical medications, animal hair, plant pollen, etc.

The risk of developing contact dermatitis increases in the presence of microdamage to the skin, dryness, frequent use of aggressive care products, or contact with chemical substances. That is why, for effective treatment, it is important not only to relieve symptoms but also to eliminate or minimize contact with provoking factors.

Types of Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis can have different mechanisms of development, which directly affects the approach to treatment and prevention. There are two main types of this condition:

Irritant contact dermatitis

Develops as a result of the direct effect of an irritating substance on the skin. Such a reaction can occur in any person provided there is sufficiently intense or prolonged contact with an aggressive factor, regardless of the presence of an allergic predisposition. The severity of symptoms depends on the strength of the irritant, the duration of contact, and the condition of the skin barrier.

Allergic contact dermatitis

Allergic dermatitis occurs in people with hypersensitivity to certain substances. In this case, even minimal contact with an allergen can cause an inflammatory reaction. Symptoms usually do not appear immediately but after a certain period following contact, which complicates independent identification of the cause.

Regardless of the type, contact dermatitis manifests locally — in the area of skin contact with the irritant or allergen. Correct determination of the type of dermatitis is key to choosing an effective treatment regimen and preventing recurrent exacerbations.

Localization of Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis can occur on any area of the body that directly comes into contact with an irritating substance or allergen. The localization of rashes often suggests the possible cause of the condition and helps to establish the diagnosis more quickly.

Main types of dermatitis depending on localization:

  • Contact dermatitis on the face. Often associated with the use of creams, cleansers, or decorative cosmetics. Facial skin is particularly sensitive, so the reaction may be pronounced even after short contact.
  • Contact dermatitis of the eyelids. Manifests as redness, swelling, and itching. It often occurs due to eye cosmetics, care products, or contact with allergens that reach the eyelids indirectly, for example, by touching with the hands.
  • Contact dermatitis on the lips. May develop as a result of using lipsticks, balms, toothpastes, or under the influence of food products. The skin of the lips is thin and vulnerable, so symptoms are often accompanied by cracks and dryness.
  • Contact dermatitis on the neck. Often associated with wearing jewelry, using perfumes, contact with clothing, or hair care products that come into contact with the skin in this area.
  • Contact dermatitis on the palms. One of the most common variants, especially with frequent contact with detergents, antiseptics, gloves, or occupational irritants.

Depending on the affected area, treatment may differ, but in all cases it is advisable to minimize contact with the irritant.

Symptoms of Contact Dermatitis

The manifestations of contact dermatitis depend on the type of irritant, the duration
of contact, and the individual sensitivity of the skin.

The main symptoms of contact dermatitis are:

redness of the skin;

itching or burning;

rashes and swelling;

dryness, scaling, or cracks.

List of diseases

Diagnosis of Contact Dermatitis

During the consultation, the doctor examines the skin, assesses the nature of the rashes, the clarity of borders, and other features.

An important stage is a detailed medical history: the doctor clarifies when the symptoms appeared, which care products, cosmetics, jewelry, or chemical substances were used beforehand, and whether similar reactions occurred previously.

If necessary, differential diagnosis with other dermatological conditions is carried out. If an allergic nature is suspected, the doctor may recommend skin tests to identify allergens. Additional examinations are prescribed individually according to indications.

Treatment of Contact Dermatitis

Treatment of contact dermatitis is primarily aimed at eliminating the irritating factor and reducing the inflammatory reaction of the skin. The treatment strategy depends on the severity of symptoms and the area affected and is selected individually.

Main treatment approaches:

Elimination of contact with the irritant or allergen

This is a key stage, without which even the most effective medications provide only a temporary result.

Topical therapy

Anti-inflammatory agents for external use are applied to reduce redness, itching, and swelling, as well as to promote restoration of the skin barrier.

Moisturizing and skin restoration

Special dermatological products are used to help reduce dryness, scaling, and accelerate healing.

Systemic treatment

In severe or widespread manifestations, systemic medications may be prescribed, but only after a detailed assessment of the patient’s condition. In some severe cases, with severe sensitization and ineffectiveness of standard therapy, plasmapheresis may be considered as an auxiliary method.

It is important to remember that self-treatment of contact dermatitis may lead to chronification of the process. Timely consultation with a dermatologist and adherence to individual recommendations allow symptoms to be eliminated faster and help prevent recurrent exacerbations.

Prevention of Contact Dermatitis

The main preventive measures include:

  • avoiding contact with known irritants and allergens;
  • using protective equipment (gloves, special clothing) when working with aggressive substances;
  • choosing hypoallergenic skin care and cleaning products;
  • regular moisturizing of the skin to maintain its protective barrier.

Timely prevention helps reduce the frequency of relapses and maintain healthy skin even in the presence of a predisposition to contact reactions.

Private Clinic Services in Kyiv: Prices for Contact Dermatitis Treatment at «Oxford Medical»

The cost of contact dermatitis treatment is determined individually and depends on the chosen therapeutic strategy.

You can find out the cost of a dermatologist consultation here. During the consultation, the doctor will perform an examination and determine the treatment plan or prescribe additional tests to establish an accurate diagnosis.

At «Oxford Medical», you can receive high-quality medical services in Kyiv — our clinics are located in most districts of the city, as well as in Irpin.

Make an appointment at a time convenient for you!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is contact dermatitis?

Contact dermatitis is an inflammatory skin condition that occurs in response to direct contact with an irritating substance or allergen. The disease manifests locally, in the area of contact, and may be accompanied by redness, itching, rashes, or swelling.

How is contact dermatitis treated?

Treatment of contact dermatitis primarily involves eliminating contact with the substance that caused the reaction. Topical anti-inflammatory and moisturizing agents are then used, as well as care products to restore the skin barrier. If necessary, the doctor may prescribe systemic therapy. The treatment regimen is always selected individually.

What does contact dermatitis look like?

Contact dermatitis usually appears as a clearly defined area of redness at the site of contact with the irritant. Rashes, swelling, blisters, itching, or burning may occur. With a longer course, the skin becomes dry, scaly, and cracks may form. The severity of symptoms depends on the strength of the triggering factor.

What should you eat if you have contact dermatitis?

There is no universal special diet for contact dermatitis; however, a diet that does not overload the immune system is recommended. It is advisable to limit foods with high allergenic potential, alcohol, and spicy dishes. The diet should be balanced.

Is contact dermatitis contagious?

No, contact dermatitis is not an infectious disease. Many people worry that contact dermatitis can be transmitted, but this is not the case. Its development is associated exclusively with an individual skin reaction to an irritant or allergen, not with viruses or bacteria.

How is contact dermatitis diagnosed?

Diagnosis of contact dermatitis is based on a skin examination and a detailed medical history. The doctor determines which substances the patient came into contact with and how the symptoms developed. If an allergic form is suspected, patch skin tests may be prescribed. Additional examinations are carried out according to indications.

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Advantages of Contact Dermatitis Treatment at the Private Clinic «Oxford Medical»

Experienced doctors. Appointments are conducted by specialists with many years of experience who work according to modern protocols.

Accurate diagnostics. The clinic offers laboratory tests, skin tests to identify allergens, and other necessary examinations.

Individual treatment strategy. The therapy regimen is selected taking into account the type of dermatitis, the localization of the lesion, and the condition of the skin.

Comfortable appointment conditions. Consultations take place at a time convenient for the patient, without queues and in a friendly atmosphere.

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Ростислав 13.01.2026
Звернувся з дитиною після тривалих шлункових проблем. Лікарка швидко зорієнтувалася в ситуації, описала можливі причини та запропонувала план обстежень без зайвих процедур. Ірина Всеволодівна вміє знайти контакт з дітьми, пояснює все так, щоб усе стало зрозумілим навіть батькам без медичного досвіду. Приємне враження. Дякую
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Марія 13.01.2026
Лілія Миколаївна уважно поставилася до моєї проблеми, оглянула шкіру та детально розпитала про попередній догляд. Запропонувала кілька підходів до лікування, пояснила їхні переваги. Дуже сподобався спокійний стиль спілкування та вміння заспокоїти пацієнта.
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