Contact dermatitis
A rash where skin meets an irritant or allergen. Settles once the trigger is found.
In short
Contact dermatitis is a rash caused by skin contact with an irritant or allergen. It settles once the trigger is identified and avoided, with emollients and steroid creams to calm flares. A GP can help find the cause.
Overview
What is contact dermatitis?
Contact dermatitis is inflammation of the skin caused by contact with a substance, either an irritant (soaps, detergents, chemicals) or an allergen (nickel, fragrances, rubber). It causes an itchy, red, sometimes blistering rash, often in the shape of the contact. Identifying and avoiding the trigger is central to treatment.
Symptoms
Common symptoms
- Red, itchy, or sore skin where something has touched it
- Dry, cracked, or scaly patches
- Blistering or weeping in more severe reactions
- A rash in the shape of the contact (e.g. under jewellery or a watch)
- Burning or stinging
When to act
When to see a doctor
Book a GP if a rash keeps appearing, isn't settling with moisturisers, is affecting your hands or work, or you can't identify the cause. Seek urgent help for widespread blistering or signs of infection.
When to seek urgent help
Seek urgent help if
- Widespread blistering, swelling, or a rapidly spreading rash
- A rash with fever or signs of infection (weeping, golden crust, spreading redness)
- Facial or eyelid swelling (if severe or with breathing symptoms, call 999)
Call 999 for life-threatening emergencies or NHS 111 for urgent non-emergency advice.
Treatment
How a private GP can help
- Assessment to identify the likely irritant or allergen
- Advice on avoiding the trigger, the key to clearing it
- Emollients to repair the skin barrier
- Prescription of a topical steroid of appropriate strength for flares
- Guidance on hand care for work-related dermatitis
- Referral for patch testing where an allergy needs identifying
What we don't do
- Patch testing for contact allergies (referred to dermatology)
- Occupational-health assessments
Pricing
What it costs
An online consultation about contact dermatitis starts at £79 for a 20-minute video appointment. In-pharmacy consultations are £129 and home visits are £189. Your consultation includes one private prescription if appropriate, and a sick note for work if needed. You pay the pharmacy separately for any medication.
FAQ
Common questions about contact dermatitis
What's the difference between irritant and allergic contact dermatitis?
How do I find the trigger?
Will it keep coming back?
Is it the same as eczema?
Ready to talk to a GP about contact dermatitis?
Message Emily on WhatsApp or book online in under 90 seconds. UK-registered doctors, available today.
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