Dealing with contact dermatitis?
Close your eyes and picture your… kitchen. Sorry, I wish I’d said Bora Bora too.
Within an hour, you’ve probably:
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Washed a glass
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Washed your hands
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Filled up your water bottle
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Washed your hands again
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Spilt food on your top
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And, you guessed it. Washed your hands (again).
Feeling itchy from all the soap yet? If so, it’s time to look into contact dermatitis.
What is contact dermatitis?
Glad you asked. It occurs when your skin comes into contact with something that causes it to freak out. Think: itchy or scaly skin, red rashes, and major uncomfortable vibes.
It can happen anywhere on your bod. But, your hands are a big culprit, coz they’re always touching new stuff.
The National Eczema Association tells us there’s two types of contact dermatitis:
Allergic contact dermatitis: when your skin has been exposed to an allergen that causes it to flare up. It might be a reaction that comes on a few days later.
Irritant contact dermatitis: a reaction that occurs when your skin has been exposed and annoyed by an itchy irritant. Basically, it’s not liked an ingredient in something, and decided to make you WELL aware to steer clear of it.
Today we’ll be chatting about irritant contact dermatitis in all its glory.
Irritant contact dermatitis
You’re probably thinking ‘but Ash, I have to wash my hands? I can’t just stop doing it’, and to that we’d say — true. Please keep washing your hands. Lol.
But when you know what might be triggering your skin, you can try to avoid it.
Potential triggers to contact dermatitis:
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Potent washing powders
Yup, they can have very potent fragrances in them. You wash your clothes, and then bang — your skin ain’t happy when you wear your fave top.
Look for fragrance free or allergy friendly options. I use Cold Power Sensitive, and vinegar rather than fabric softener.
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Harsh skincare ingredients
Think parabens, sulfates, and fragrances. Sensitive skin can hate these. It’s exactly why I created Yours Only CLEAN Cleanser. No added parabens, sulfates, fragrances, salicylates, mineral oils + more
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Perfume and body mists
I knowwww, they smell so cute. But it might be worth cutting them out for a while, and seeing if your skin feels happier.
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Dish soap
Same thing, they’re harsh. This is your reminder to always wear gloves when hand washing.
There’s heaps more, but I don’t want you to yawn.
Tips to reduce contact dermatitis flare ups
The National Eczema Association also says to:
1. Bathe in gentle cleanser
I created Yours Only CLEAN Cleanser for sensitive people who were sick of having itchy, stripped skin every time they washed.
This viral 8-in-1 cleanser has no added parabens, sulfates, fragrances, mineral oils, animal-derived products + heaps more.
Use as:
1. Gentle hand wash
2. To bathe with as bubble bath
3. Shampoo
4. Body wash
5. Face cleanser
6. Makeup remover
7. Brush cleaner
8. Emergency stain removal
So, when you’re washing your sensitive hands — swap to this. Or, if you’ve come into contact with something potent — try bathing with CLEAN.
2. Frequently use moisturiser to repair the skin barrier.
Luckily we’ve got just the thing for that, too.
COAT Face + Body Moisturiser was made to hydrate eczema-prone, dry and sensitive skin. It’s a thick moisturiser that nourishes pesky patches. Use morning and night, and you’ll even wake up still feeling nourished.
The best part? COAT Moisturiser is made for all ages — so if your little one has sensitive skin too, you can both use it.
PSST. They even come in this sneaky bundle that’s hidden on the website (hehe). You can grab CLEAN Cleanser + COAT Moisturiser in the Daily Pair Bundle. You’re welcome.
And, as always, it’s best to chat to your GP or healthcare team if you think you’re dealing with this. We don't cure skin conditions - our products aren’t medicated, by choosing what to exclude, we provide mild and nurturing formulations designed not to irritate.
Info from the National Eczema Association. This blog is not endorsed or associated with them.
