Contact Dermatitis Remedies

Remedies listed may apply to: contact dermatitis,
allergic contact dermatitis, systemic contact dermatitis and chronic dermatitis

For definitions of Dermatitis and related skin conditions see:
Contact Dermatitis / Eczema

Remember: Any substance, with the exception of pure, clean water, can cause an allergic reaction.

Conventional Treatments of Contact Dermatitis may include:
1. Removal of offending substance.
2. Corticosteroid ointments (Hydrocotisone in a Hypo-allergenic base), creams or tablets (Prednisone). Antihistamines may not be very effective but are sometimes taken at night if sleeping is a problem.

What to do if conventional treatment for Contact Dermatitis fails?
This page is meant to help educate about Contact Dermatitis and is based on the experience of a patient with Systemic Allergic Contact Dermatitis. The listing of remedies includes everything that was applied. We are also listing what the patient found to be of any particular help and also if the remedy seemed to aggravate the condition.

Please, note that everyone reacts differently and that a specific remedy may not be good for someone else. No cure is even suggested and any story of what has helped someone can at best be considered anecdotal evidence.

Case History (MDer001):

Patient with a Tinea pedis infection (Athlete's foot) sees doctor after treatment with OTC remedies (anti-fungal ointments) failed and walking became difficult. The fungal infection started between the toes and by the time the patient sees doctor the whole foot was infected and swollen.

A mixture of Hydrocortisone and Canesten was prescribed; The patient applied the cream as prescribed.
After two days the condition worsens and vesicles (itchy blisters) were developing on his right arm.
After visiting the emergency room of the Hospital, the patient was diagnosed with Cellulitis (a bacterial infection of the skin).
After 6 days of heavy doses of Cefazolin (i.v.) and oral Probenecid, it became obvious that the condition was Contact Dermatitis instead.
By the time the condition was properly diagnosed, the Contact Dermatitis had become systemic covering both arms, legs, abdomen, lips and also the mucous membranes from the mouth to the anus.
Probenecid was dropped but treatment with antibiotics were continued.
Conventional treatment with Hydrocortisone cream was added. The patient applied the cream to the foot and was able to see the foot swell in a very short time in an obvious allergic reaction to something in the cream.
The patient then wanted to see proof of any bacterial infection and asked to be taken off the Cefazolin.
Because of the allergic reaction the patient also asked to be taken off the offending cream.
As a last option, a Hypo-allergenic cream was suggested to support the skin.
Since there were little conventional options left, the patient decided to try alternatives and the following remedies were applied with alternating successes and set-backs.

Important steps taken in the treatment of Contact Dermatitis:

1. Identification and removal of offending substance.

2. Avoidance of stress and other allergic substances (allergens / antigens) including food items as stress or allergens may aggravate or prolong the condition.

3. Avoidance of most creams and ointments since the condition may cause reactions even to substances which are normally tolerated.
For example: The patient used a particular shaving cream for many years. After being diagnosed with Contact Dermatitis, the same shaving cream led to an allergic skin reaction on all areas of the skin which came in contact with the shaving cream.

4. Do not scratch. Scratching only worsens the condition and, if the skin barrier is broken, scratching may lead to secondary infections by streptococcus or staphylococcus bacteria.
Tip: Cut fingernails and/or wear cotton gloves or any other soft non-allergic gloves to prevent scratching.

5. Follow the advice of your doctor or health care professional.


Following is the complete listing of supplements and natural remedies for Systemic
Contact Dermatitis which have been tried by the patient.

Borage oil, Evening Primrose oil, Flax oil, B-complex, DMG (B15), B12, Calcium, Magnesium and Potassium (pH adjustment), Quercetin, Curcumin, Bromelain, Grape Seed Extract, Vit. C, E and A, certain, generated Frequencies and Light Therapy (Colors applied: Blue and Turquoise), Witch Hazel, Nettle tea, Burdock root, MSM, Enzymes, DHEA, Licorice root and Pregnenolone.

This patient found that the application of cold, running water brought some relief.

Witch Hazel can reduce inflammation. However, for all areas with eruptions (vesicles), the best kind may be one without alcohol. The patient tried three different types: Two had various amounts of alcohol and seemed to aggravate the condition; One had no alcohol and seemed to help somewhat.

To further control the inflammation of skin and membranes, Curcumin, Bromelain, Vitamin C, E, A, Carotene, Pantothenic acid and a combination of Enzymes were taken.

Blue light is suggested for inflammations and certain, generated frequencies.

A combination of Licorice root, DHEA and Pregnenolone may be able to substitute for Cortisone if the patient cannot tolerate this medication.

Vitamin A is very important for skin and membranes.

GLA, as found in Borage oil and Evening Primrose oil helps in the production of anti-inflammatory substances.

Quercetin is very important for three reasons: it prevents the release of histamine; it inhibits production of leukotrienes; it is an effective treatment for inflammation. (Reference: Fraces Taylor, M.A.; Jacqueline Krohn, M.D.; Erla Mae Larson, RN. Allergy Relief & Prevention: A Doctor's Complete Guide to Treatment & Self-Care, 3rd ed. 2000: 359. Vancouver, BC, Canada: Hartley & Marks Publishers Inc.)

A topical remedy for relief of itching and inflammation can be made by pressing the juice out of plantain leaves (Plantago major and Plantago lanceolata). This juice may be well tolerated.

To avoid: It is suggested to avoid dairy products and meat which contribute to the production of inflammatory substances due to their high content of arachidonic acid. (Reference: Konrad Kail, N.D.; Bobbi Lawrence; Burton Goldberg. Allergy Free: An Alternative Medicine Definitive Guide, 2000: 251. Tiburon, CA, USA: AlternativeMedicine.com, Inc.)

General Warning Signs as Lessons from our patient: Anything applied to skin or membranes that causes burning, stinging, itching with increasing redness and/or swelling (hives) should be washed off immediately and avoided.

Patient's observation and conclusion: Since Antihistamines do not help much and Quercetin seems to help more than either Antihistmines and/or Anti-inflammatory substances, like Curcumin, the disease may be best fought by inhibiting the production of Leukotrienes as Quercetin does.

2. Itching Skin:

Cold water or wet, cold towels may bring relief.

The most often recommended homeopathic remedy for hives and itching is Rhus toxicodendron.

3. Repair of Skin and Membranes:

Large amounts (check with your health care professional) of vitamin C, A, E and Beta-carotene seem to be important. Also, Flax oil and GLA (Borage oil or Primrose oil). The essential fatty acids found in Flax, Borage and Evening Primrose are very beneficial in skin repair. All these supplements are taken orally work best from the inside out unless one has a specific allergy against any one of these nutritional substances.

Nothing should be applied on open sores, cracks, wheeping vesicles and so on. The patient found that even benign substances, including Olive oil, Emu oil and Aloe vera may lead to burning or stinging.

If there are no vesicles and the skin barrier is not broken, Aloe vera, Olive oil and Emu oil may all be useful to soften the skin and prevent cracks and scarring.

4. Skin Support:

Skin support may have to change according to the stage of the condition:
If there is dry skin; cracking skin; painful, swollen areas where the skin feels as if it may tear; or where too much moisture is lost, a Hypoallergenic cream may be useful. It may be best to apply small amounts for a limited period of time. Even if the cream does not cause any allergies it may still be petroleum based and will penetrate the skin and will then be moved around and deposited anywhere in the body by the blood- and lymphatic system. Any of this stuff is foreign to the body and may be an extra burden to the liver and other organs.

It the skin barrier is not broken, Aloe vera, Emu oil and Calendula ointment (in a hypoallergenic base) may be applied.

5. Preventing Secondary Infections with a Broken Skin Barrier:

It is possible to aggravate the condition with alcohol and it is possible to have an allergic reaction to disinfectants like iodine. In those cases, the safest disinfectant may be a 3% topical solution of hydrogen peroxide. This may still sting on an open sore but the sting is tolerable and water and oxygen can hardly create an allergic response.

6. Nervous System Support:

Potassium, Magnesium and Calcium, Vitamin C, B-complex, Flax oil. Try to stay mentally as balanced as possible since stress seems to aggravate the condition.

7. Stopping Outbreaks:

A quick response seems important. The pH level became very acidic (5.0 and lower). As a result, a large dose of Potassium, Magnesium and Calcium was taken with repeated checking of the pH level (pH paper or sticks may be available through your local Pharmacy or Health Food Store). For more on pH levels and how to keep the level around the neutral range of 7.0 see Nutrition software as part of the Natural Healing Collection.

Quercetin is very important for three reasons: It prevents the release of histamine; It inhibits production of leukotrienes; It is an effective treatment for inflammation. (Reference: Fraces Taylor, M.A.; Jacqueline Krohn, M.D.; Erla Mae Larson, RN. Allergy Relief & Prevention: A Doctor's Complete Guide to Treatment & Self-Care, 3rd ed. 2000: 359. Vancouver, BC, Canada: Hartley & Marks Publishers Inc.)
1cc of Procain HCl was injected intravenously (anti-inflammatory effect) according to Hunecke and Dosch.

8. Swollen Glands:

One of the best supports for the glandular system may be found in Burdock root.

9. Preventing an Allergic Reaction from an Ointment/Cream:

Patch testing is one way to find out which substances one reacts to (see your Dermatologist). Our patient encircled a small area of skin under the arm and applied a small amount which was checked after a couple of hours, then every few hours for a period of at least two days since there can be a delayed reaction.
Other types of testing are included with the new version of Natural Healing.

10. Reducing an Allergic Reaction:

Pantothenic acid, Grape seed extract, Vit. C, Bioflavonoids and Quercetin have an antihistamine effect. Nettle tea is also useful for allergies.

11. Trust No Substance:
Trust no unknown substance without testing a small amount first. Tests like patch testing may have to be carried out over a period of two days because of the delayed reaction.

12. Homeopathic Remedies for Allergic Contact Dermatitis:
These are best recommended by an experienced Homeopath. The most often recommended homeopathic remedies for Allergic Contact Dermatitis are Rhus toxicodendron and Anacardium.

For definitions of Dermatitis and related skin conditions see:
Contact Dermatitis / Eczema

Experience with Dermatitis?

If you know of any additional remedy which may be of help to other sufferers of this affliction, or, if you have any helpful suggestion, we would like to hear from you. Please, send us an email.

References / Suggested Reading:

Fraces Taylor, M.A.; Jacqueline Krohn, M.D.; Erla Mae Larson, RN. Allergy Relief & Prevention: A Doctor's Complete Guide to Treatment & Self-Care, 3rd ed. 2000. Vancouver, BC, Canada: Hartley & Marks Publishers Inc.

Konrad Kail, N.D.; Bobbi Lawrence; Burton Goldberg. Allergy Free: An Alternative Medicine Definitive Guide, 2000. Tiburon, CA, USA: AlternativeMedicine.com, Inc.

Darius Dinshah. Let There Be Light, 2nd ed. Malaga, NJ: USA:  Dinshah Health Society. (About Spectro-Chrome Therapy)

Natural Healing Collection software programs by Zentrum Publishing: http://www.alternative-medicine-software.com/

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