Contact Dermatitis

Itchy, inflamed skin after contact with a product, plant, or material may be contact dermatitis. NP Healthcare Group offers virtual skin assessments, trigger identification, skin-care guidance, and prescription treatment for appropriate cases. At NP Healthcare Group, Dr. Nichola Patton, DNP, MSN, MBA, AGACNP-BC, and Angel Cejo Vaquer, NP offer virtual assessments and individualized management when clinically appropriate. Call to request an evaluation or use the online booking form to schedule a consultation.

What is contact dermatitis?

Contact dermatitis is skin inflammation caused either by an irritant that damages the skin barrier or an allergic reaction to a specific substance.

Both irritants and allergens can trigger skin inflammation.

What triggers contact dermatitis?

Common triggers include soaps, cleaning agents, fragrances, cosmetics, metals, adhesives, gloves and plants such as poison ivy.

Persistent or spreading rashes can sometimes reflect an infection or another skin disorder.

How is it evaluated through telehealth?

Your provider reviews the rash appearance, distribution, timing and new exposures; clear photographs can help. Persistent or recurrent cases may require in-person patch testing.

Photographs and a history of products or exposures help with virtual evaluation.

What treatments may help?

Avoiding the trigger, using fragrance-free moisturizers and short courses of appropriate topical anti-inflammatory medication may help. Treatment depends on location and severity.

Avoiding the trigger is as important as soothing the inflamed skin.

When should I seek in-person care?

Seek evaluation for widespread blistering, extensive facial or genital involvement, fever, rapidly spreading redness, pus or severe pain. Difficulty breathing or facial swelling needs emergency care.

Rashes accompanied by swelling of the face or difficulty breathing require emergency care.

Call NP Healthcare Group or book a virtual appointment online to discuss your symptoms and next steps. Same-day appointments may be available.