What is the treatment for contact dermatitis?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have been noticing rashes all over my body, majorly on my both hands, and knuckles, and a little bit on my ankles and back. I often get allergies whenever I eat any nonvegetarian food. I ate boiled egg fritters and desi chicken from a local stall two days ago, while traveling to my village. Everything was fine until morning when I went into the bushes to search for something, and my hands started itching very badly. I washed my hands, and the itching stopped, but the rashes are increasing. Kindly help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern.

Based on the information provided by you, the symptoms of rashes and itching on consuming certain food items you might be affected with urticaria or a reaction from bushes called allergic contact dermatitis. Both are allergic reactions. Urticaria may come from food items, topical creams, temperature changes, stress, and so on. Allergic contact dermatitis on the other hand is due to contact with a possible allergen which in this case is bushes. As they are an internally formed reaction within the body, there are possibilities of recurrence. However, it will help if the possible allergens are identified through testing and avoid exposure. Management is possible with medications. I advise you to follow the below-mentioned instructions.

Apply a thin layer of Momate F cream (Mometasone)on the affected area once daily at night for 2 weeks. They may be used in the future in case of recurrences.
Take a tablet of Allegra M (Fexofenadine) at night after dinner for two weeks.
Apply Physiogel hypoallergenic calming relief lotion (Caprylic triglyceride) once or twice for the entire affected area for soothing.
Get an allergy panel test and absolute eosinophil count to understand the possible allergen.
Avoid exposure to allergens.
Avoid consumption of hot and spicy food and any food item that causes a rise in body temperature to prevent rashes and symptoms of itching.
Kindly consult a specialist, talk to them, and take the medications with their consent.

I hope this information will help you.

Thank you.