Eczema Treatment Care

I wonder if it is an allergic reaction. If you are still in contact with the substance you are allergic to, the rash will not go away. People develop allergic reactions to products that they have been using for years so don’t assume that a product is safe just because you have been using it all along.
There are two methods for figuring out if the allergy is causing the problem. One (the quickest method) is to stop using everything you have been using and slowly re-introduce the products you want to continue using. Start with laundry soap (and realize that you will have to wash all of your clothes to test this one – a trip to the laundromat will get it done faster), shaving cream, soap, moisturizer, sunscreen or any other product you use on your legs. 1 tbsp of baking soda with 1 cup of water can replace any of your cleaning products – at least as a temporary measure. After the rash goes away, re-introduce no more than one product a week and watch carefully for the return of the rash.
The second method is to remove one product at a time for a week or two each and see if the rash goes away. Remember what I said about laundry soap earlier.
In the meantime, keep returning to the doctor to search for other options in case it is actually a bacteria or virus instead of an allergic reaction.

If it is truly a contact dermatitis then just a plain over the counter hydrocortisone cream 1% will be helpful if used no more than 5 days a few times a day. Stop the Benadryl cream. Though it is marketed for itching etc. many people have irritation worsened or caused by this cream, same poor side effects with Caladryl lotion.

Mederma prevents scarring and seems to make me heal faster.
Sometimes the dry air from your car heater causes that – it is mostly on your right leg? Unless you are mostly a passenger, then it will be worse on your left leg.
Also – change your laundry soap to All Free or Cheer Free and Clear. Don’t use fabric softener for a few weeks. Stop using any thing like scented bath soaps and body washes – use something gentle instead like Ivory. Just to see if it is an allergy to something you are using.

you can ask your doctor for a topical steroid cream such as celestone.

don’t scratch it just keep using the prednisone

Contact dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin caused by direct contact with an irritating substance.
Contact dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin caused by direct contact with an irritating or allergy-causing substance (irritant or allergen). Reactions may vary in the same person over time. A history of any type of allergies increases the risk for this condition.
Irritant dermatitis, the most common type of contact dermatitis, involves inflammation resulting from contact with acids, alkaline materials such as soaps and detergents, solvents, or other chemicals. The reaction usually resembles a burn.
Allergic contact dermatitis, the second most common type of contact dermatitis, is caused by exposure to a substance or material to which you have become extra sensitive or allergic. The allergic reaction is often delayed, with the rash appearing 24 – 48 hours after exposure. The skin inflammation varies from mild irritation and redness to open sores, depending on the type of irritant, the body part affected, and your sensitivity.
Overtreatment dermatitis is a form of contact dermatitis that occurs when treatment for another skin disorder causes irritation.
Common allergens associated with contact dermatitis include:
• Poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac
• Other plants
• Nickel or other metals
• Medications
o Antibiotics, especially those applied to the surface of the skin (topical)
o Topical anesthetics
o Other medications
• Rubber
• Cosmetics
• Fabrics and clothing
• Detergents
• Solvents
• Adhesives
• Fragrances, perfumes
• Other chemicals and substances
Contact dermatitis may involve a reaction to a substance that you are exposed to, or use repeatedly. Although there may be no initial reaction, regular use (for example, nail polish remover, preservatives in contact lens solutions, or repeated contact with metals in earring posts and the metal backs of watches) can eventually cause cause sensitivity and reaction to the product.
Some products cause a reaction only when they contact the skin and are exposed to sunlight (photosensitivity). These include shaving lotions, sunscreens, sulfa ointments, some perfumes, coal tar products, and oil from the skin of a lime. A few airborne allergens, such as ragweed or insecticide spray, can cause contact dermatitis.
Symptoms Itching (pruritus) of the skin in exposed areas
• Skin redness or inflammation in the exposed area
• Tenderness of the skin in the exposed area
• Localized swelling of the skin
• Warmth of the exposed area (may occur)
• Skin lesion or rash at the site of exposure
o Lesions of any type: redness, rash, papules (pimple-like), vesicles, and bullae (blisters)
o May involve oozing, draining, or crusting
o May become scaly, raw, or thickened
Treatment
Initial treatment includes thorough washing with lots of water to remove any trace of the irritant that may remain on the skin. You should avoid further exposure to known irritants or allergens.
In some cases, the best treatment is to do nothing to the area.
Corticosteroid skin creams or ointments may reduce inflammation. Carefully follow the instructions when using these creams, because overuse, even of low-strength over-the-counter products, may cause a troublesome skin condition. In severe cases, systemic corticosteroids may be needed to reduce inflammation. These are usually tapered gradually over about 12 days to prevent recurrence of the rash. In addition to or instead of corticosteroid skin treatment, your doctor may prescribe tacrolimus ointment or pimecrolimus cream.
Wet dressings and soothing anti-itch (antipruritic) or drying lotions may be recommended to reduce other symptoms.
Contact dermatitis usually clears up without complications within 2 or 3 weeks, but may return if the substance or material that caused it cannot be identified or avoided. A change of occupation or occupational habits may be necessary if the disorder is caused by occupational exposure.
Prevention Avoid contact with known allergens. Use protective gloves or other barriers if contact with substances is likely or unavoidable. Wash skin surfaces thoroughly after contact with substances. Avoid overtreating skin disorders.