5 Home Remedies To Treat Contact Dermatitis
In addition to taking advantage of these home remedies to alleviate the symptoms of dermatitis, it is essential to identify the substances that produce the allergic reaction in order to avoid them
We will begin by explaining that contact dermatitis is a skin rash characterized by redness, swelling and itching of the skin after direct contact with a substance.
On the other hand, symptoms can occur immediately, although many times they develop gradually, in a matter of hours or days.
Also, it is not a contagious or life-threatening condition, but the discomfort it causes can be difficult to cope with, especially when it is complicated or prolonged.
Fortunately, it is not always necessary to use a medical treatment, since some natural remedies help calm you in a short time.
Therefore, as you can see, in this article we want to review its main causes and some home solutions that help you speed up your recovery.
Causes of contact dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is caused by a substance that irritates the skin or triggers an allergic reaction.
Based on this, two types of contact dermatitis are distinguished:
Irritant dermatitis
It is the most common. It occurs when a substance damages the outer protective layer of the skin.
The most common irritants are:
- Solvents
- Rectified alcohol
- Bleaches and detergents
- Shampoos and solutions for hair perms
- Sawdust or wool dust
- Plants
- Fertilizers and pesticides
- Rubber gloves
Allergic contact dermatitis
It occurs when the skin comes into contact with a substance that causes a particular allergic reaction.
The most common allergens are:
- Nickel, used in jewelry, buckles and other items
- Medications, such as antibiotic creams
- Balsam of Peru, used in perfumes, cosmetics, mouthwashes and condiments
- Formaldehyde, which is found in preservatives and disinfectants
- Fragrances in perfumes, cosmetics, soaps and moisturizers
- Nail polish, hair dyes, and permanent curling solutions
- Plants, such as poison ivy and mango
- Particles found in the air, such as pollen and insecticide sprays
- Rubber or latex gloves or shoes
Symptoms of contact dermatitis
The symptoms of dermatitis tend to develop in areas of the body that were exposed to the substance.
Manifestations can include:
- First, red skin rashes
- Additionally, it may also include a mild or severe itching sensation.
- That’s not all, dry and flaky skin
- Also lumps and blisters
- Lastly, burning and inflammation
Home remedies for contact dermatitis
The application of some home remedies can reduce the severity of symptoms when they appear mild, without complications.
In case the rashes get worse or do not improve in three weeks, it is essential to consult the doctor.
1. Thyme
Thyme-infused compresses are a soothing and antiseptic remedy that can reduce itching and also burning of the skin.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons of thyme (30 g)
- 1 cup of water (250 ml)
Preparation
- First add the thyme to a cup of boiling water and cover the drink.
- Finally, let it sit until it is warm and strain it.
How to use
- Dip a cloth in the infusion and apply it as a compress on the affected areas.
- Let it act for 15 minutes and repeat its use 2 times a day if you consider it necessary.
2. Chamomile
Chamomile is undoubtedly one of the best remedies against the symptoms of contact dermatitis. It relieves inflammation and also reduces redness and protects against possible infections.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons of chamomile (45 g)
- 1 cup of water (250 ml)
Preparation
- The first step is to pour the chamomile into a cup of boiling water and let the drink steep.
- Then, when it is ready for use, strain it.
How to use
- Start by spraying the liquid on the affected areas, or apply it with a cloth.
- Also, if the symptoms reappear, repeat its use 2 or 3 times a day.
3. Oats
For its moisturizing and soothing properties, the oatmeal is one of the best solutions for irritated and reddened skin.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons of oatmeal (15 g)
- 1 cup of water (250 ml)
Preparation
- First, dip the oatmeal in a cup of boiling water and let the drink rest.
- Then, put it in the refrigerator so that it is very cold.
- To finish, strain it and use the resulting liquid.
How to use
- First, apply the remedy as compresses or rinses.
- Repeat until the dermatitis is relieved.
4. Calendula
As a curiosity, calendula flowers are one of the traditional remedies against skin eruptions. These serve to disinfect and reduce the discomfort of irritation.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon of calendula flowers (15 g)
- 1 cup of water (250 ml)
Preparation
- First add the calendula to a cup of boiling water and cover the drink.
- Finally, let it sit for 20 minutes and strain it.
How to use
- We start by rinsing the affected areas with the liquid, or apply it with compresses.
- You must repeat its use 2 times a day.
5. Mallow
Due to its anti-inflammatory and refreshing properties, mallow can facilitate the relief of the discomfort caused by this type of dermatitis.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons of dried mallow (30 g)
- 1 cup of water (250 ml)
Preparation
- First, pour the dried mallow into a cup of boiling water and let the drink rest.
- Then, when it’s warm, strain it.
How to use
- To begin, apply the drink in compresses on the affected areas.
- Lastly, use it until you notice an improvement.
Do you have any symptoms of contact dermatitis? Remember that, although these remedies reduce symptoms, you must identify which substance is causing the problem in order to fully control it.
