What should you know about dry skin contact dermatitis?

Irritant contact dermatitis develops when repeated washing, solvents, detergents, sweat, or friction weaken the barrier. Allergic contact dermatitis follows a reaction to a trigger such as fragrance, hair dye, metal, rubber, or a topical ingredient. The rash often matches the contact area, but it can extend beyond it. Itch is common; burning, scaling, swelling, blisters, and cracking can also occur.

Think about new products, gloves, work tasks, jewellery, footwear, and cleaning agents used before the flare. Keeping a brief exposure and symptom record can make the pattern easier to assess.

Stop suspected new products and rinse exposed skin gently with lukewarm water. Use a fragrance-free cleanser sparingly, pat dry, and apply an emollient to support the barrier. Protect hands with suitable gloves, but avoid trapping sweat for long periods. Do not apply leftover steroid or antibiotic creams without advice, because the wrong product can irritate or obscure the rash.

Arrange assessment if the rash continues after the suspected trigger is removed, keeps returning, affects work or sleep, or involves the face, eyelids, or genitals. Seek prompt care for extensive blisters, rapidly worsening pain, pus, fever, facial swelling, or breathing difficulty. A clinician may consider patch testing when allergy is suspected.

Does the pattern fit contact dermatitis? Which ingredients or exposures should I avoid? Would patch testing help? What can I use on cracked or itchy skin, and how should I protect it at work?