Top 9 Contact Dermatitis Medication: Options & Side Effects

Contact Dermatitis (CD) is an inflammatory skin condition affecting up to 15-20% of the population worldwide. Fortunately, it is treatable. Contact Dermatitis medications are the conventional treatment methods for alleviating the symptoms and reducing the severity of the condition. The medicines for Contact Dermatitis include over-the-counter options, oral medication, and topical creams. 

However, similar to other medications, CD medications may also have side effects that can be prevented if they are utilized with proper care and in the prescribed dosage. Therefore, it is necessary to learn about the medications in detail. This comprehensive article aims to shed light on the possible treatments for this skin condition, highlight the potential side effects, and give insight into several methods for faster recovery. So, let’s learn in detail.

Best Contact Dermatitis medications

The best medications for Contact Dermatitis are oral tablets, topical creams, gels, ointments, and over-the-counter (OTC) options. 

Some of the medications for Contact Dermatitis are as follows:

Best cream for Contact Dermatitis

The best Contact Dermatitis medications include topical medicated creams, gels, and ointments. Let’s learn about these topical medications in detail below.

Topical Corticosteroids

These anti-inflammatory topical creams control rashes and are the first-line treatment for Contact Dermatitis. They successfully treat acute Allergic Contact Dermatitis but play a limited role in treating Irritated Contact Dermatitis. These creams are generally recommended if the skin condition is confined to 20% of the body. They should be applied 1-2 times daily or as your doctor prescribes.

Topical Antibiotics

Antibiotics are prescribed when there are open wounds and risks of bacterial infections. However, they must be applied only under a doctor’s prescription. It is recommended that the prescribed dosage must be followed to control the bacterial infection and reduce the severity of risks.

Topical Immunomodulators

These are anti-inflammatory treatment options recommended for both Irritant and Allergic Contact Dermatitis. Topical Immunomodulators are drugs that relieve inflammation after suppressing immune responses. These should be ingested only after a doctor’s prescription.

Furthermore, Topical Calcineurin Inhibitors can also be utilized to treat CD in delicate areas, such as skin folds or eyelids.

Oral medications

Your healthcare practitioner prescribes oral medications to control rashes and prevent the severity of the skin condition. Some oral medications for Contact Dermatitis are as follows:

Oral Antihistamines

Antihistamines, such as Citrazene and Hydroxyzine, can be utilized to control itching. These oral medicines, such as Diphenhydramine, can help you sleep better. However, some side effects of antihistamines include difficulty urinating, dryness, dizziness, and less coordination.

Oral Antibiotics

Oral Antibiotics are generally not prescribed for treating Contact Dermatitis. However, your healthcare practitioner may prescribe them if there are any risks of infection in the affected region. Therefore, it is recommended that you get your skin condition routinely examined to reduce the risks of potential threats, like infections.

Systemic Steroids

Systemic Steroids are generally prescribed in severe Contact Dermatitis cases that cover a large area of the skin. These should be tapered (the process of slowly decreasing dosage over time) gradually to prevent the reoccurrence of the condition. They can be taken orally or given by injection. The medicine can show rapid improvement if the dose is taken as prescribed.

Over-the-counter medications

Some over-the-counter medications for treating Contact Dermatitis include:

• Non-Steroidal anti-itch lotions

• Calamine lotion

• Over-the-counter Hydrocortisone

Side effects of Contact Dermatitis medication

Like most medicines, Contact Dermatitis medication may sometimes show certain side effects in some individuals. A few side effects of Contact Dermatitis medications are as follows:

• Rashes

• Headache

• Drowsiness

• Weight gain

• Fatigue

• Increased appetite

• Itching

• Thinning of the skin

• Folliculitis

Other Contact Dermatitis treatment

Along with prescribed medications and over-the-counter treatment options, some home remedies and self-care tips are also effective in managing CD. Here are the best home remedies for treating skin conditions:

Home remedies

Some effective home remedies for Contact Dermatitis include the following treatments easily available at your home:

• Coconut oil: This essential oil has natural moisturizing properties and can limit the growth of bacteria

• Vitamin E: This vitamin can give relief against itching and inflammation caused by CD

• Honey: It has antibacterial and antiseptic properties

• Lukewarm baths: Bathing with lukewarm water is soothing and can relieve pain

• Minimize exposure to irritants: Avoid excessive exposure to your skin irritants

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Self-care treatments

Some self-care management tips to treat or prevent CD are as follows:

• Identify the environmental factors and products that irritate your skin and try to avoid them 

• Do not scratch the rash, even if it is itchy. Rather, use a cool compress for 15-30 minutes, anti-itch medications, ointments, or running cold water to relieve itching

• Always use a barrier repair cream or moisturizer after washing

• Use barrier socks for foot dermatitis

• For hand dermatitis, avoid washing hands excessively

• In people with oozing rashes, use Calamine lotion

• Wash new clothes before wearing them to remove the chemical dyes and residues that can trigger an allergic reaction

• Protect your skin from sunburns

What triggers Contact Dermatitis?

The most common triggers for Contact Dermatitis are as follows:

• Metals such as Nickel, Chromium, and Cobalt

• Certain medications, including Antibiotics

• Chemical products, such as acids, soaps, and detergents

• Certain plants, such as Poison Ivy, poison oak, and Parthenium

• Some Skin care products like cosmetics, fragrance

• Balsam of Peru

• Thiomercel, Formaldehyde

Do’s and don’t for Contact Dermatitis medication

Like other medicines, Contact Dermatitis medication should be taken according to the guidelines to avoid serious consequences, such as overdose or side effects. 

Here is a table that depicts the specific ‘do’ and ‘don’t’ points to keep in mind while taking your prescribed medicines with proper care:

Conclusion

Contact Dermatitis (CD) is a skin condition caused by various chemical and environmental factors. Fortunately, treating the condition is easy with Contact Dermatitis medication. After a complete diagnosis of the condition, people can get these medicines prescribed by a healthcare practitioner. 

Treatment options include oral medicines, topical creams, gels, and ointments. Further, some home remedies and self-care management tips are also available to control the rash and alleviate symptoms. Contact Dermatitis can be uncomfortable and uneasy to control, but with the prescribed medicines and doctor’s guidance, it can be treated effectively. You can also alleviate the symptoms and prevent the risks of severe infections by consulting a healthcare practitioner today.

Frequently Asked Questions

• ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
• mayoclinic.org