Contact dermatitis in babies and infants

Contact dermatitis in infants

Irritant contact dermatitis is caused by direct contact of the skin with certain substances.  The most common causes of contact dermatitis in infants are detergents, harsh soaps, urine, and feces.  Diaper rash is the most well known type of contact dermatitis in infants.

Poison ivy as the most common cause of allergic contact dermatitis

Allergic contact dermatitis is not common in infants younger than 24 months. The most common cause of contact dermatitis in infants is poison ivy and poison oak. Itchy rashes develop around 1 or 2 weeks after contact with poison ivy, oak, or any plant that contains urushiol. The red rashes develop at the point of contact but can spread to other parts of the body. Poison ivy contact dermatitis is extremely itchy and eventually forms red vesicles or blisters that erupts.

Treatment of mild contact dermatitis

• Treatment of contact dermatitis at home should start with short, cool baths when erupted blisters are present.
• During the daytime, apply a cold, sterile towel for 15 minutes to control itching.
• Hydrocortizone creams (eg, triamcinolone 0.1%) creams to control poison ivy itching and inflammation.

Treatment of severe contact dermatitis

Oral steroids may be given by a physician if red rashes becomes severe or widespread.  Treatment of oral steroids may last up to 2 or 3 weeks.