Contact dermatitis is a skin reaction triggered by irritants (such as soaps, detergents, cleaning products, hand sanitiser or frequent washing) or allergens (including fragrance, nickel, rubber/latex or preservatives). It can cause red, itchy, dry or sore patches and sometimes small blisters. In this category, you’ll find pharmacy options commonly used to help manage itching and calm inflammation during a flare, with different formats depending on your symptoms and where the rash is.
Most people shopping for contact dermatitis treatment want practical, short-term relief and clearer next steps to help reduce repeat flare-ups. That often includes a suitable topical steroid for inflamed patches, targeted anti-itch support for persistent irritation, and consistent moisturising to support the skin barrier. Always read the label and patient information leaflet, and if symptoms are severe, widespread, weeping/crusting, infected, or not improving, speak to a pharmacist or GP.
Shop by contact dermatitis type
Popular types of contact dermatitis products
- Mild topical steroid creams (often hydrocortisone) for short-term relief of inflammation and itching
- Moderate-strength topical steroids for short, label-guided courses when patches are more inflamed
- Anti-itch creams to help manage persistent itching and irritation during a flare
- Combination steroid + anti-itch creams for patches that are both inflamed and intensely itchy
- Moisturisers and emollients to support the skin barrier and help reduce dryness between flare-ups
How to choose the right option
- Start with likely triggers: irritants often include soaps, detergents, sanitiser and wet work; allergens can include fragrance, nickel, rubber/latex and preservatives.
- Match treatment to severity: mild, localised inflammation may suit hydrocortisone; more inflamed areas may need a different strength or pharmacist/GP guidance.
- Choose by symptom: topical steroids are usually selected for inflammation; an anti-itch cream may help when itching is the main problem.
- Support the barrier: moisturise regularly with gentle, fragrance-free emollients and keep cleansing mild while skin settles.
- Space products if using both: if you use an emollient and a medicated cream, leave a short gap between applications so you don’t spread or dilute the medicated product.
- Check where you’ll apply it: many products have restrictions for the face/eyelids, genitals, broken skin or large areas—follow the label and leaflet.
Quick links: common needs
FAQs
What is contact dermatitis?
Contact dermatitis is inflammation of the skin caused by contact with an irritant or allergen. Symptoms can include redness, itching, dryness, soreness and sometimes small blisters, often affecting the hands but potentially any area exposed to the trigger.
What’s the difference between irritant and allergic contact dermatitis?
Irritant contact dermatitis occurs when a substance damages or dries the skin (often after repeated exposure). Allergic contact dermatitis happens when your immune system reacts to a specific trigger after you become sensitised. Both can look similar, so the timing and pattern of exposure can help.
Which treatments are commonly used for contact dermatitis flare-ups?
Common pharmacy options include topical steroid creams for inflamed, itchy patches (used short-term and as directed), anti-itch creams for symptom relief, and moisturisers/emollients to support the skin barrier. Some people also use an antihistamine for allergy-type itching where appropriate.
How do I use a topical steroid cream safely?
Apply a thin layer to the affected area only and follow the directions on the label and patient information leaflet. Many topical steroids are intended for short courses. Ask a pharmacist if you’re unsure about strength, duration, suitability for children, or where it can be used.
If I’m using an emollient as well, what order should I apply products in?
Many people moisturise regularly with an emollient and use a medicated cream only where needed. If you use both, avoid applying them at the same time; leave a short gap between applications so the medicated product stays on the intended area.
Can I use these products on my face or around my eyes?
Not always. Many topical steroids and some anti-itch products have restrictions for the face, eyelids or sensitive areas. Check the leaflet carefully and speak to a pharmacist if the rash is on the face or near the eyes.
When should I speak to a pharmacist or GP urgently?
Get urgent advice if you have facial swelling, breathing difficulty, a rapidly worsening rash, severe blistering, signs of infection (weeping, crusting, increasing pain, warmth or swelling), or a widespread rash. If symptoms are not improving, keep returning, or you’re unsure what’s causing them, a pharmacist or GP can advise on next steps.
Important: This information is general guidance and does not replace personalised medical advice. Always read the label and patient information leaflet and use medicines as directed. Some treatments may not be suitable if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, buying for a child, have broken or infected skin, or take other medicines. If you’re unsure, ask a pharmacist; if symptoms are severe, persistent or worsening, contact your GP or NHS 111.
