Suggest Treatment For Red Rashes Due To Contact Dermatitis Despite Using Hydrocortisone And Prednizone

Posted on Mon, 7 Apr 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 7 Apr 2014 Answered on

Thu, 4 Jan 2024 Last reviewed on

Question : I was diagnosed with contact dermatitis about five days ago. I was given a prescription hyrdocortisone cream and told it should help the rash. After using the cream for three days, there was still no change. I then went to my local er and told once again, that it is contact dermatitis and given an oral medication of prednizone. I was told to take 2 20mg. pills for five days and 1 tablet daily for ten days. I have been on this medication since Saturday, and today is Monday, should I notice a change, as the rash is no longer itchy, it is still very red and bright, but not sure if this will go away, or should I once again visit my doctor. Thank you

Answered by Dr. Geetika Paul (32 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Need to find the offending agent for allergy Detailed Answer: Hi I understand your concern regarding your skin problem and I hope I am able to help you in the same . Now you have been diagnosed with contact dermatitis by your doctor. You have been on both topical and oral steroids. The treatment that you have been prescribed should surely help in your case. There can be two reasons for such a slow response. Either you are continuing to use something that is increasing the rash or causing some irritation. Or there can be some issues with the diagnosis . I would like to know what all are you applying over the hand , other than the hydrocortisone cream. Are you applying any other cream or oil? Are you using any specific soap or hand wash? Hope you are not using agents like dettol? Any contact with detergents for cloth or utensil washing? Also I would like to have a look at the exact skin lesions . It would be great if you can click some close up pictures of the skin condition and upload them here on this page . Also you can mail them at YYYY@YYYY with heading as ref to Dr Geetika Paul . I am sure I will be able to help you more once you provide me the above details and the pictures . Waiting for your response Dr Geetika Paul

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Geetika Paul (17 minutes later)

The rash is located on my upper thighs, it has not spread to any other area of my body. I was using hydrocortisone cream .02% which was prescribed. When I went to the er they said I needed to try an oral medication. Prednisone 20mg. 2 tablets twice a day for five days and one tablet for ten days. I do not have access to a camera for photos. I recently purchased a new pair of jeans and they thought the reaction could be to that. Should I continue to use the cream as well as take the prednisone, or just continue with the prednisone.

Answered by Dr. Geetika Paul (2 hours later)

Brief Answer: Treatment line in contact dermatitis Detailed Answer: Hi Since your contact dermatitis was not completely controlled with only topical steroid cream, so it is essential for you to take the oral steroid tablets as well, as advised by your doctor. A combination of both topical and oral steroids have to be given in severe cases of allergic contact dermatitis . Since you might have developed this allergic reaction due to contact with new clothes , you should make sure not to irritate the area any further. Wear loose cotton clothes. Do not apply any other oil or cream over the affected area. Avoid itching or scratching the area. I am sure the rash should get better with the course of oral steroids as recommended . Hope it helps Dr Geetika Paul

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar