There are two types of contact eczema, allergic and non-allergic. You may get allergic contact eczema if your skin has been in contact with something you are allergic to. You usually get non-allergic contact eczema on your hands. It is also called hand eczema. It occurs when the skin’s natural protection becomes weaker, for example, if you wash frequently.
Symptoms of contact eczema
Common symptoms of contact eczema are redness, blisters, and cracks on the skin. It often itches and when you itch you can get worse.
Sometimes, eczema can be infected by the bacteria normally found on the skin. Then eczema may become fluid or become larger.
What can I do for myself?
Here are some tips on what you can do yourself:
- Wash less often where you have trouble.
- Clean your hands with hand alcohol instead of soap and water if the skin does not look dirty.
- Lubricate frequently and copiously with a softening cream. It helps the skin build up its natural protection.
- Try to avoid contact with the cause of the allergy if you have allergic contact eczema.
- Lubricate with a cream or ointment with mild cortisone that you can buy at a pharmacy without a prescription. It can sometimes cause eczema to heal.
Treatment for contact eczema
You may need stronger cortisone if mild cortisone does not help. Stronger cortisone a doctor can prescribe.
Infected eczema may need to be treated with antibiotics.
Read more about medicines for eczema.
When and where should I seek care?
Contact a health care center if any of the following is true of you:
- You have not improved after a week of treatment for contact eczema with non-prescription cortisone.
- You have eczema that spreads or looks different, such as fluids.
- Your eczema does not get better by the treatment that usually helps.
You can contact many receptions by logging in.
What does contact eczema depend on?
It is common to get non-allergic contact eczema if you often come in contact with water, soap, detergent or solvent. How sensitive you vary greatly from person to person. The risk of getting non-allergic contact eczema is greater if you had eczema as a child.
Allergic contact dermatitis is usually found on the hands, in the armpits, and in the face, especially around the eyes. Examples of substances that can cause allergic eczema are nickel, chromium, rubber and some preservatives in skincare products. Another substance that can cause allergies is rosin, which can be found in patches, post-it notes, and print on clothes.
The risk of nickel allergy increases if you use jewelry containing nickel. Allergy risk is especially high if you have pierced or pierced your ears and use jewelry that contains nickel. Nickel allergy does not go away but remains there throughout life.
Read more about eczema.
Influence and participate in your care
You can seek care at any medical center or open specialist clinic you want throughout the country. Sometimes a referral to the open specialized care is required.
You should understand the information
In order for you to be involved in your care and treatment, it is important that you understand the information you receive from the healthcare staff. Ask questions if you don’t understand.