severe itching, especially at night red to brownish-gray patches on the skin small, raised bumps that may contain fluid and crust over when scratched thickened, cracked, dry, and scaly skin raw, sensitive, and swollen skin that occurs as a result of scratching The most common place for spongiotic dermatitis to occur is on the chest, stomach, and buttocks. It can spread from these areas to other parts of the body.
Working with metals such as nickel, solvents, or cleaning supplies, can increase your risk of spongiotic dermatitis. Certain health conditions including congestive heart failure, Parkinson’s disease, and HIV/AIDS can also make you more prone to spongiotic dermatitis. \ Spongiotic dermatitis can flare up if you have sensitive skin and/ or use very harsh and strong soaps that can cause an allergic reaction on the skin.
The trigger could be an allergen, food allergy, cosmetic, environmental factor, insect bite, or harsh soap or detergent. If you suspect a specific trigger, try to limit your exposure to it and see if it relieves your symptoms. Certain external factors can worsen spongiotic dermatitis including dry skin from taking baths or showers that are too hot, stress, sweat, wearing wool, exposure to tobacco smoke and pollution. Certain foods can also worsen spongiotic dermatitis including eggs, milk, peanuts, soybeans, fish, and wheat. Use mild or “hypoallergenic” soaps and laundry detergents. These contain fewer harmful chemicals that can irritate your skin. Rinse clothes twice after washing to ensure that the detergent is well removed. Any product marked “hypoallergenic” has been tested for sensitive skin and will likely not irritate your skin.
If you cannot avoid scratching the irritated areas, occasionally apply bandages to any areas seriously affected by spongiotic dermatitis. This will limit exposure to irritants and keep you from scratching. Do not cover the areas frequently, as this may actually cause more irritation.
Use a gentle cleanser made for sensitive skin when you bathe or shower. Recommended choices include Dove, Aveeno, and Cetaphil. Don’t use overly hot water, as this can dry out and irritate skin. Apply moisturizer to your skin at least twice a day. The best time to apply is after a shower or bath while your skin is still damp. Later in the day, consider using an oil to moisturize your skin. Make sure to use unscented and uncolored moisturizers that will not irritate your skin. If you aren’t sure what moisturizer is best for your skin, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Use creams or ointments, as they are usually thicker and more effective than lotions, and they’re usually less irritating to the skin. Taking a 10-15 minute bath in warm water sprinkled with baking soda, uncooked oatmeal or colloidal oatmeal will help your skin stay moisturized. Make sure to moisturize your skin with a cream or oil after the bath. Keeping a humidifier in your home will ensure that the air is moist and won’t dry out your skin. Avoid temperature extremes, which can dry out skin.
Histamine is produced when an allergen enters in the body. It is involved in all of the symptoms of allergic reactions, including itching and inflammation. You can place a cold compress on your rashes intermittently for 10 to 15 minutes, once every 2 hours or as needed.
Wear cool, loose, smooth textured clothing such as cotton or silk to keep yourself from scratching and prevent excess sweating. [6] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Do not wear wool, as it can irritate your skin. Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants to keep yourself from scratching your skin and protect it from external irritants. You can also apply bug repellant to areas that do not have rashes when you go outside where you are at risk of being bitten. This will prevent insects from getting too close to your skin and causing further allergic reactions.
A nonprescription anti-itch, or hydrocortisone, cream, can help relieve itching. Make sure to purchase a cream with at least 1% hydrocortisone. Apply these creams to the affected area before you moisturize your skin. Follow the specific product instructions for how often you can use the cream on your skin.
Chlorpheniramine is available in 2 mg and 4 mg tablets. Adults can take 4mg every 4 to 6 hours. Don’t exceed 24 mg per day. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) is available in 25 mg and 50 mg tablets. Adults can take 25 mg every 6 hours. Don’t exceed 300 mg per day. Ceterizine (Zyrtec) is available in 5 mg and 10 mg tablets. Adults can take up to 10 mg every 24 hours. These drugs (chlorpheniramine and diphenhydramine in particular) often have sedative effects so do not drive, drink alcohol, or operate any machinery (including driving) when taking them. Cetirizine is less likely to cause sedation, but you should try it a few times to ensure it doesn’t cause drowsiness before you attempt to drive or operate machinery. If you are treating a child, consult your doctor or pharmacist for appropriate medications and dosages.
You are advised to apply the cream in the morning after showering so that it stays on throughout the whole day. An example of a corticosteroid cream is 1% hydrocortisone cream.
See your doctor if: you’re so uncomfortable that it disrupts your sleep or ability to function daily, your skin is painful, self-care and home remedies haven’t worked, or you suspect your skin is infected. [7] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Phototherapy exposes the skin to controlled amounts of natural sunlight or artificial ultraviolet A (UVA) and narrow band UVB. This treatment can be used alone with in conjunction with medications. Light exposure increases your risk for premature aging and skin cancer.
Oral steroids and strong topical steroids can have serious side effects when used long term. Follow your doctor’s instructions and don’t use these medications for longer than advised. Continue to moisturize your skin while using oral and topical corticosteroids. Not only will they keep your skin hydrated, but they will help prevent flare-ups when you discontinue use of the steroids.
The type of antibiotic your doctor prescribes may vary. Common antibiotics include erythromycin, penicillin, dicloxacillin, clindamycin, or doxycycline. [10] X Trustworthy Source DermNet NZ Online clinical resource website written and run by dermatologists providing evidence-based information about dermatology and skin health Go to source
Calcineurin inhibitors directly affect the immune system and come with potential side effects including kidney problems, high blood pressure and headaches. Serious but rare side effects include an increased risk of certain cancers. [11] X Research source These drugs are prescribed only when other treatments have failed and are approved for most people over the age of 2. [12] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
