Contact Dermatitis
Also known as: Contact dermatitis, Allergic contact dermatitis, Irritant contact dermatitis, Occupational dermatitis, Contact eczema
Contact dermatitis is an inflammatory skin reaction caused by something touching the skin. Irritant contact dermatitis, the most common form, results from repeated exposure to soaps, detergents, solvents or wet work; allergic contact dermatitis is an immune reaction to a specific substance such as nickel, fragrances, preservatives, rubber chemicals or plants [1][2]. The mainstays of management are identifying and avoiding the trigger, restoring the skin barrier with moisturisers, and topical corticosteroids for flares; patch testing identifies allergic triggers when the cause is unclear [1][2][3]. In Chinese medicine acute weeping, red, hot eruptions correspond to Wind, Damp and Heat invading the skin, while chronic dry, cracked, thickened dermatitis reflects Blood deficiency generating Wind and Dryness. Acupuncture and herbal medicine are adjuncts to trigger avoidance and standard dermatology care, and widespread or occupational cases benefit from GP or dermatologist involvement [1][2][3].
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Lifestyle & Diet
- •Identify and avoid the trigger; keep a diary of products, plants and occupational exposures if the cause is unclear [1][2].
- •Use soap-free, fragrance-free washes and moisturise generously every day [1].
- •Wear protective gloves for wet work and cleaning, with cotton liners underneath [2][3].
- •Patch testing through a dermatologist is worthwhile for recurrent allergic contact dermatitis [2][3].
- •Wash new clothing before wearing to remove residual dyes and formaldehyde finishes [2].
Cautions & Contraindications
- •Never needle through weeping, broken, blistered or infected skin; treat around lesions or use distal points.
- •Suspected anaphylaxis or angioedema is an emergency, not an acupuncture presentation [1].
- •Acupuncture does not replace trigger avoidance, emollients or prescribed topical treatment [1][2].
- •Check herbal topical or internal products for the very allergens the patient reacts to (for example lanolin, fragrances, plant extracts).
When to reassess or seek care again
Review itch, sleep, lesion extent and trigger exposure every two to three treatments. Acute cases should settle as the trigger is removed; chronic cases should show reduced itch and thickening within four to six sessions. Refer for patch testing if the cause remains unclear or the dermatitis keeps recurring [2][3].
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Sources & Further Reading
Clinical guidance, red flags and safety notes on this page draw on the following current sources alongside the classical references above.
- DermNet NZ · 2024
- Healthdirect Australia · 2024
- Australian Family Physician (RACGP) · 2017
- PubMed · 2018
- Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (PubMed) · 2013
- Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency · 2024
Educational reference for licensed practitioners. Not a substitute for individual clinical assessment. Refer to conventional care for any red-flag or undiagnosed presentation.