Doctors and pharmacists often use the words ‘eczema’ and ‘contact dermatitis’ to describe the same symptoms, as they appear very similar. Both lead to dry, itchy, irritated skin, the only real difference between them is their cause. While atopic eczema is caused by inherited and environmental factors, contact dermatitis happens when your skin comes into contact with something that irritates it. This could be something that irritates everyone’s skin, or something that’s a particular problem for you.
What causes it?
How can I treat it?
What should I avoid?
Irritant contact dermatitis
Patch testing
What causes it?
• Irritant contact dermatitis (or hand eczema) – often affects people who’ve had eczema as children or have particularly dry skin. Irritants dry out the skin, making it vulnerable to damage and infection. It’s common among nurses, housewives, gardeners, hairdressers, cooks and kitchen staff, painters, builders and engineers because their hands are regularly wet for long periods of time or in contact with abrasive and irritant substances
• Allergic contact dermatitis – happens when your skin becomes sensitised to a particular substance. It can come out of the blue after years of using something, and once it does, it can be a lifelong problem. Common allergens include nickel and latex
How can I treat it?
If the problem’s as simple as the nickel on the back of your watch irritating your skin, the obvious first step is to stop wearing it. You can then soothe your skin with an emollient. If it’s more difficult to avoid the irritants, the first thing to try is complete emollient therapy.
Emollients like the ones in the E45 range are very effective moisturisers that help to keep your skin soft and supple so it doesn’t itch as much. They work by restoring natural moisture, lipids and oils which skin with eczema is lacking. This creates a barrier on the skin’s surface which helps prevent more moisture loss and helps to stop bacteria getting in.
Complete emollient therapy means getting into the following daily routine:
• In the morning, wash with a soap substitute. They don’t contain detergents like ordinary soaps so they’re less drying. Gently pat your skin dry and smooth on an emollient cream or lotion with clean hands, in the direction of hair growth. Creams are soothing if your skin is thick or brittle, whereas lotions are lighter, soak in faster and are great for using all over
• During the day, use a soap substitute to wash your hands and apply an emollient cream or lotion when your skin feels dry or itchy. Don’t let your skin dry out, or rub it too hard
• In the evening, dip into a warm bath for 10 minutes. A little emollient bath oil will clean your skin so there’s no need for soap. Again it’s free from detergents, so protects your natural moisture barrier. Gently pat your skin dry and apply an emollient lotion or cream while it’s still damp
Emollients work well on mild to moderate contact dermatitis, but if you’re still suffering steroids are another effective option. Many people worry about using them, but low-dose creams like E45’s Hc45 Hydrocortisone Cream are well tolerated and can be used for a maximum of seven days. Hc45 Hydrocortisone Cream is available over the counter. You’ll only be given stronger steroids under the guidance of your GP or pharmacist.
What should I avoid?
There are lots of things which can trigger contact dermatitis, and getting to know what they are is the first step in avoiding them! We’ve put together the list below to show you some common triggers. Try looking out for them and their effect on you. We’re all different, so you may find your skin feels fine in some of these conditions and uncomfortable in others…
Irritant contact dermatitis
• Soap, detergents, disinfectants and chemical cleaning products
• Paints, DIY materials, solvents, glues and resins
• Citrus fruits and vegetable juices, including tomato, onion and garlic acids and alkalis
• Abrasive dust from stones, bricks, cement, sand or soil
• Cold, windy weather or extreme heat
Irritant contact dermatitis
• Nickel, found in jewellery, cutlery and coins
• Perfumes and fragrances in toiletries and skincare
• Plants – especially chrysanthemums, primula and grass
• The adhesive in sticking plasters
• Metal primers and leather
Patch testing
Patch testing can help to work out what everyday irritants are making your skin uncomfortable. It involves simulating potential allergens and applying them to your skin for 48 hours using a test plaster. Your doctor will be able to tell you more about getting this done.
Like to find out more?
Our ‘What is eczema?’, booklet has extra information on contact dermatitis. If you’d like to download a copy please click here.
