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Lifestyle and home remedies
By Mayo Clinic staffThese steps can help you manage dermatitis:
- Apply an anti-itch cream or calamine lotion to the affected area. A nonprescription hydrocortisone cream, containing at least 1 percent hydrocortisone, can temporarily relieve your itch. A nonprescription oral antihistamine, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl, others), may be helpful if your itching is severe.
- Apply cool, wet compresses. Covering the affected area with bandages and dressings can help protect your skin and prevent scratching.
- Take a comfortably cool bath. Sprinkle your bath water with baking soda, uncooked oatmeal or colloidal oatmeal — a finely ground oatmeal that is made for the bathtub (Aveeno, others).
- Avoid scratching whenever possible. Cover the itchy area with a dressing, if you can't keep from scratching it. Trim nails and wear gloves at night.
- Wear smooth-textured cotton clothing. This will help you avoid irritating the affected area.
- Use a mild, unscented laundry detergent when washing clothes, towels and bedding. Try using the extra rinse cycle on your wash machine.
