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What is the initial treatment for contact dermatitis?

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Emollients (moisturisers)
If the inflamed skin is not too bad then just using an emollient (moisturiser) frequently may be all that you need until the inflammation settles and the rash clears.

Topical steroids
Topical steroids are creams, ointments and lotions which contain steroid drugs. They work by reducing inflammation in the skin. They come in different brands and strengths. As a rule, you should use the mildest one that works. You can buy a mild steroid cream (hydrocortisone) from pharmacies without a prescription. If a mild one does not work, a stronger one can be prescribed by your doctor.

Topical steroids are usually applied once or twice twice daily until the inflammation has gone. This may take up to a couple of weeks or more. Once the inflammation has gone, stop the topical steroid.

Short courses of topical steroids (less than four weeks) are usually safe and usually cause no problems. Side-effects may develop if topical steroids are used for long periods, or if short courses are repeated often. The main concern is if strong steroids are used long-term. Most people with contact dermatitis only need a short course. See separate leaflet called 'Topical Steroids for Eczema' for more details.

Other treatments
An antibiotic may be prescribed if the inflammation becomes infected. This is uncommon in most bouts of contact dermatitis. Rarely, a course of steroid tablets is needed if you have a large and severe area of skin inflammation.