If you can't keep from scratching an itchy area, cover it with a dressing. Place a cool, wet cloth over the rash for 15 to 30 minutes several times a day. A nonprescription antihistamine that won't make you so drowsy is loratadine (Alavert, Claritin, others). An oral antihistamine, such as diphenhydramine (Advil PM, Benadryl, others), which may also help you sleep better. Whatever product you use, try cooling it in the refrigerator before applying. Use it 1 to 2 times a day for a few days. This is a nonprescription product that you can buy at a drugstore. Put on the itchy area 1% hydrocortisone cream or ointment (Cortizone 10, others). Also ask for a list of products that are free of the substance that affects you. Your health care provider may give you a list of products that typically contain the substance that affects you. The key to this is identifying what's causing your rash and staying away from it. To help reduce itching and soothe inflamed skin, try these self-care approaches: Hall: We also give them access to a customized database of products that are safe for them to use that do not contain the substances that they are allergic to.ĭeeDee Stiepan: For the Mayo Clinic Newsnetwork, I'm DeeDee Stiepan. So it's a weeklong commitment.ĭeeDee Stiepan: At the end of the week, patients are provided with a list of what they're allergic to.ĭr. Hall: But we also have to see the patient back on Friday because it can take 4 to 5 days before we see reactions. Hall: Then, based on that, we customize a panel of allergens for each patient that are placed on these aluminum discs that are taped onto the back.ĭeeDee Stiepan: After two days, the patient comes back to get the patches removed.ĭr. We have to see patients on Monday, Wednesday and Friday of the same week.ĭeeDee Stiepan: During the initial visit, the dermatologist determines possible risk factors that may be causing the contact dermatitis.ĭr. Hall: Patch testing is the crucial test that we perform to assess for allergic contact dermatitis. So how can someone know if they're having an allergic reaction to something they're putting on their skin?ĭr. Matthew Hall, M.D.: Patients can get allergic to various things that they are using, such as soaps, lotions, makeups, anything that contacts the skin.ĭeeDee Stiepan: Nickel, which is often used in costume jewelry, is the most common allergen.
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