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Conditions
ContactDermatitis
A red, itchy skin rash caused by direct contact with a substance that irritates the skin or triggers an allergic reaction. One of the most common occupational skin conditions.
Get assessed
From $24.95 · No appointment needed
6 min
avg cert turnaround
13 min
avg doctor review
2
days a week
30%
refund if declined
Symptoms
CommonsymptomsofContactDermatitis
An AHPRA-registered doctor assesses these symptoms online - no in-person visit required.
Red, itchy rash in area of contact
Blistering or weeping in severe cases
Dry, cracked, or scaly skin
Burning or stinging sensation
Swelling of the affected area
Rash pattern matching the shape of the contacted object
Our Scope
Howwecanhelp
InstantMed handles many common conditions entirely online. Here's what fits our service.
What we can help with
- Assessment via photos and history
- Treatment prescriptions (topical steroids, emollients)
- Workplace documentation for occupational dermatitis
- Medical certificates if dermatitis prevents work
What needs in-person care
- Patch testing for allergy identification (needs dermatologist)
- Severe or widespread blistering
- WorkCover claims (need in-person assessment)
Depending on your situation, an AHPRA-registered doctor may be able to issue a medical certificate or arrange a repeat prescription after reviewing your request online.
Clinical Guidance
Whentoseeadoctor
These indicators suggest you should seek professional medical advice promptly.
Signs you need a doctor
- 1Rash not improving after avoiding the trigger
- 2Severe blistering or weeping
- 3Rash spreading beyond the contact area
- 4Occupational dermatitis affecting your ability to work
- 5You need a medical certificate or workplace documentation
Seek emergency care if
- Rash with difficulty breathing or throat swelling (anaphylaxis)
- Severe facial swelling
- Widespread blistering affecting large body areas
Call 000 or go to your nearest emergency department
Clinical Insight
Adoctor'sperspectiveonContactDermatitis
InstantMed Clinical Team
AHPRA-registered medical team · Reviewed 2026-03
Contact dermatitis is one of the most common occupational diseases in Australia, particularly in healthcare (hand washing/gloves), hairdressing (dyes/chemicals), construction (cement), and food handling. The clinical distinction between irritant and allergic contact dermatitis is important: irritant dermatitis happens because a substance directly damages the skin barrier (anyone would react with enough exposure), while allergic dermatitis involves an immune reaction to a specific allergen (only sensitised individuals react). Telehealth assessment via clear photos of the rash pattern and a detailed occupational history can often identify the cause. Treatment involves two things: avoiding the trigger (sometimes requiring workplace modifications) and managing the inflammation with topical steroids and emollients. Patch testing by a dermatologist may be needed for allergic cases.
Treatment
TreatingContactDermatitis
Contact dermatitis management has two essential components: identifying and avoiding the causative substance, and treating the inflammation. Trigger avoidance is primary -- without it, treatment provides only temporary relief. Emollients (moisturisers) restore the disrupted skin barrier and are used alongside corticosteroids. Topical steroids treat the inflammatory component: hydrocortisone 1% (OTC) for mild cases, betamethasone valerate (prescription) for moderate-to-severe rashes. Oral antihistamines reduce itch. For severe occupational dermatitis, short-course oral prednisolone may be needed.
Emollient / barrier cream
QV Cream, Cetaphil Moisturising Cream, Epaderm, DU'IT Tough Hands
Class:Emollient / skin barrier repair
Typical dose:Apply liberally at least 3-4 times daily to affected areas; apply within 3 minutes of washing hands for maximum benefit
PBS:Available OTC without prescription at any pharmacy
- Essential component of contact dermatitis management -- restores skin barrier disrupted by irritants
- Should be used far more generously than topical steroids (ratio approximately 10:1 emollient to steroid)
- Fragrance-free formulations only -- fragrances are a leading cause of allergic contact dermatitis
- Apply before steroid cream (not on top), allow to absorb briefly
Betamethasone valerate 0.02% cream
Celestone, Diprosone 0.02%
Class:Moderately potent topical corticosteroid
Typical dose:Apply thinly to affected area once or twice daily during active inflammation; reduce to alternate days as rash improves
PBS:PBS listed; $25.00 general / $7.70 concession (PBS, 2026)
- Appropriate for moderate-to-severe contact dermatitis on hands, forearms, and body
- Reduces inflammation and itch more effectively than OTC hydrocortisone 1% for moderate rashes
- Step down to hydrocortisone as inflammation improves
- A telehealth consult can assess severity from photos and prescribe appropriate potency steroid
Prednisolone (oral)
Predmix, Panafcort, Prednisolone Sandoz
Class:Systemic corticosteroid
Typical dose:0.5-1mg/kg/day (typically 25-50mg daily) for 5-7 days for severe acute flares; no taper needed for short courses
PBS:PBS listed for inflammatory conditions; $25.00 general / $7.70 concession (PBS, 2026)
- Reserved for severe or widespread contact dermatitis that topical treatment alone cannot control
- Provides rapid suppression of severe allergic responses
- Short 5-7 day courses do not require gradual dose reduction
- A telehealth consult can prescribe prednisolone for severe acute contact dermatitis
Source: Therapeutic Guidelines -- Dermatology, 2024; Australasian College of Dermatologists occupational dermatitis guidelines; Safe Work Australia skin disease prevention fact sheet. This information is educational only and does not replace clinical assessment.
Specialist referral: Refer to a dermatologist for: patch testing to identify the specific allergen (essential for allergic contact dermatitis to enable avoidance), chronic or recurrent occupational dermatitis requiring management plan for WorkCover, suspected airborne contact dermatitis, or rashes not responding to 4-6 weeks of treatment. Occupational physician referral for WorkCover assessments and workplace risk management.
Contact Dermatitis in Australia
Contact dermatitis is the most common occupational skin disease in Australia
Healthcare workers, hairdressers, and food handlers have the highest rates of occupational hand dermatitis
Approximately 15-20% of the Australian population has at least one contact allergy
Nickel allergy is the most common contact allergy worldwide, affecting up to 15% of women
Recovery
Whattoexpect
Typical recovery timeline and return-to-work guidance for most patients.
Typical recovery
Irritant contact dermatitis: days to 2 weeks after removing the trigger. Allergic contact dermatitis: 2-4 weeks for full resolution. Chronic occupational dermatitis may take months if the workplace exposure continues.
Return to work
If work is the cause, you may need modified duties, protective equipment, or temporary reassignment. Severe hand dermatitis can prevent manual work for 1-2 weeks. Your doctor can provide documentation for workplace modifications.
When to reassess
See a doctor if the rash is not improving despite avoiding the suspected trigger, if it is worsening or spreading, if blistering is severe, or if you need a referral for patch testing to identify the specific allergen.
Self-Care
ManagingContactDermatitisathome
Evidence-based tips to support your recovery alongside medical treatment.
Identify and avoid the trigger - this is the most important step. The rash location usually gives the clue
Use fragrance-free moisturiser liberally - at least twice daily. Emollients restore the skin barrier
Wear cotton-lined gloves for wet work and cleaning - avoid direct contact with detergents and chemicals
Apply prescribed topical steroid cream to the rash as directed - don't under-treat due to steroid fear
Wash new clothing before wearing - fabric finishes and dyes can trigger reactions
If occupational, discuss protective measures with your employer - they have a duty to provide appropriate PPE
FAQ
CommonquestionsaboutContactDermatitis
Answers to the most common questions from patients.
The location and pattern of the rash often indicates the cause - e.g., wrist (watch strap/nickel), hands (cleaning products), face (cosmetics). A dermatologist can perform patch testing to identify specific allergens.
Irritant contact dermatitis improves within days of removing the trigger. Allergic contact dermatitis can take 2-4 weeks to fully resolve, even after removing the allergen.
Yes. If your work is causing or worsening your skin condition, a certificate is appropriate. Your employer may need to provide alternative duties or protective equipment.
Irritant dermatitis is caused by direct damage from substances like soap, detergents, or solvents - anyone exposed enough would react. Allergic dermatitis is an immune response to a specific substance - only sensitised individuals react.
Ready to get help with Contact Dermatitis?
Australian-registered doctors review your request when available.
Full refund if the doctor declines.