


 You should suspect not only contact dermatitis but also fungal infection. If it doesn't itch too much, you should consider using an antifungal ointment along with it.
If it itches a lot, it is a strong case of eczema, so it is believed that symptoms will improve only if you take antihistamines for more than two weeks and apply a lot of steroid ointment.
Contact dermatitis results from exposure to allergens (allergic contact dermatitis) or irritants (irritant contact dermatitis). Phototoxic dermatitis is triggered by sunlight.
○ Signs and symptoms
Contact dermatitis is a localized rash or irritation caused by contact with a foreign substance. Healing may take several days to weeks. The rash resolves only after the skin is no longer exposed to the allergen or irritant for an extended period (typically several days).
There are three types of contact dermatitis: (1) irritant contact dermatitis, (2) allergic contact dermatitis, and (3) photocontact dermatitis. Irritant dermatitis is usually confined to the area that directly touched the skin, whereas allergic dermatitis can be more widespread.
Common causes of allergic contact dermatitis include:
Nickel, 14K or 18K gold, Chromium, Poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans)
○ Patch test
The three most frequently identified allergens in patch tests are:
Nickel sulfate (19.0 %), Myroxylon pereirae (Balsam of Peru, 11.9 %), Fragrance mix (11.5 %)
○ Treatment
Avoid soap and cosmetics that may irritate the skin. In particular, sunscreen or other cosmetics can cause repeated dryness or itching on the face, especially in women. Reduce sun exposure if symptoms occur only on sun‑exposed areas.
○ Treatment ― OTC Drugs
Antihistamines are helpful. Cetirizine or levocetirizine are more effective than fexofenadine, although they may cause drowsiness.
#Cetirizine [Zytec]
#Diphenhydramine [Benadryl]
#LevoCetirizine [Xyzal]
#Fexofenadine [Allegra]
#Loratadine [Claritin]
OTC steroid ointment may be used to the affected area for several days.
#Hydrocortisone ointment