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How to manage contact dermatitis

Dermatitis is used as a general term for skin irritation. Then what is contact dermatitis? You guessed it. It’s when your skin comes into contact with chemicals causing a rash. If your skin reacted to a new skincare or personal care product, such as perfume, lotion, or laundry detergent, and developed a rash, you likely have experienced contact dermatitis.


With contact dermatitis, your skin comes into contact with a skin irritant or skin allergen causing skin irritation or allergy. Symptoms include dry, cracked skin, tenderness/swelling, bumps/blisters, and redness. Contact dermatitis is not contagious or life-threatening. However, if you are losing sleep over it and the rash has not cleared after a few weeks, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor.


Triggers for contact dermatitis include many different irritants and allergens found in airborne substances, plants, personal care products, and medications. It is important to determine your trigger. We suggest that you keep a log of foods you eat, medications you use, and your personal care products, especially if you have sensitive skin or pre-existing skin conditions.


Fortunately, there are contact dermatitis home remedies. Carefully pat cleaning the area of contact helps to remove skin irritants or allergens. Apply a wet compress to the irritated areas or use other cooling agents to suppress irritation and itching. Avoid scratching your face as it will further irritate your skin. To minimize itching use lukewarm water when bathing and wear loose fitted clothing if it spreads elsewhere. Always use fragrance-free lotions, soaps and detergents to minimize potential allergic reactions and prevent future flare-ups.


LEMYKA designed our moisturizers to soothe skin irritation. LEMYKA’s Calming Cream, for example, is a natural and non-steroidal cream that combines three products into one: a fast acting itch relief eczema cream, an inflammation control cream, and an intense moisturizer with ceramides that repairs skin barrier which prevents future rashes. LEMYKA calming cream is gentle enough for the face. Skin healing takes time. It typically takes about 1-2 weeks of continuous use for improvement to show. Although for many people, improvement can be seen as quickly as 1-2 days. Most importantly, such improvement is likely to last and will help skin to fend off irritants as the skin restores its functions.


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