Contact Dermatitis Follow-Up Guide

Understanding Contact Dermatitis

What is it? A rash from skin contact with an irritant (soap, wipes, detergents, saliva, cleaning products) or allergen (poison ivy, nickel, fragrances, latex, adhesives). Causes redness, itching, swelling, or blisters.

Common Types

• Irritant Contact Dermatitis: Caused by soaps, wipes, saliva, detergents, cleaning products, or prolonged water exposure.
• Allergic Contact Dermatitis: Caused by allergens like poison ivy, nickel, fragrances, latex, or adhesives.

When to Manage at Home

✅ You can manage your child's Contact Dermatitis at home when:

• Rash is mild, localized, and your child feels well (eating, playing, sleeping normally)
• No fever, swelling near eyes/lips/genitals, or signs of infection
•  Symptoms are improving with gentle home care

How to Treat at Home 

 🏠 Home remedies for Contact Dermatitis:

• Remove trigger (switch soaps, remove jewelry, wash plant oils)
• Wash with mild, fragrance-free soap + lukewarm water
• Moisturize often (CeraVe, Cetaphil, Vanicream, Aquaphor)
• Cool compress 20 min every few hours
• Trim nails to avoid scratching
•  Avoid hot baths, scented products, long water exposure

Safe Medications

When to Contact Poppins 

📱 Contact us again when:

• Rash is spreading, worsening, or not better after 7 days of home care
• New symptoms develop (fever, decreased appetite, low energy)
• Rash appears near eyes, lips, or genitals
• You’re unsure of the cause or treatment

When to Visit Your Pediatrician 

🩺 Go to an in-person appointment when:

•  Rash is large, blistered, or keeps coming back
•  Possible infection (pus, warmth, swelling, bad smell)

When to Go to the ER

🚨 Seek immediate emergency care if your child is: 

• Has trouble breathing/swallowing
• Experiencing sudden/severe swelling of face, lips, eyes, or throat
• Showing other anaphylaxis signs: fainting, dizziness, repeated vomiting, severe stomach pain, sudden extreme fatigue or collapse

If your gut tells you something is wrong, don't hesitate to reach out. Need help? Reconnect with our on-demand team of medical staff available 24/7.