Patient/caregiver was educated on measures to manage and prevent contact dermatitis as follows:
- Proper trimming of the nails can help prevent scratching the skin and irritating it further. Having mittens on can also help prevent irritation of skin from the nails. Covering the affected skin with gentle cotton dressing can also help protect the skin from continued scratching and worsening of the dermatitis.
- Have stock of OTC antiallergy medications readily available at home can help, as intake of medication at the earliest notice of dermatitis activation can help prevent further worsening of the condition.
- Apply moisturizing cream all over every day. You can also apply coconut oil, sesame oil, olive oil, or jojoba oils all over the body and face, to moisturize the irritated skin. Moisture prevents excessive drying of skin and dermatitis activation.
- Soaking the irritated skin in warm oatmeal bath for 15 minutes, pat drying the skin gently, and applying gentle moisturizer can ease the itch and prevent further irritation of the skin. Use mild soaps, shampoos, deodorants, and perfumes, as they could contain chemical triggering activation of dermatitis. Individuals with strong history of allergies to soaps and cosmetic products must prefer using products listed as hypoallergenic or unscented, to avoid a contact dermatitis response from developing.
