What is the treatment for arm dermatitis (skin rash)?

From the Guidelines

For treating an arm rash, the most effective approach is to identify and avoid potential triggers, keep the area clean with gentle, fragrance-free soap, and apply over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream (1%) 2-3 times daily for up to 7 days to reduce inflammation and itching, as recommended by the American Contact Dermatitis Society 1. When managing an arm rash, it is essential to consider the potential causes, such as allergic or irritant contact dermatitis.

• Identifying and avoiding allergens or irritants is crucial in preventing further skin reactions, as emphasized in the study by the American Contact Dermatitis Society 1.
• Applying topical steroids, such as hydrocortisone cream, can help mitigate flares of dermatitis, as suggested by the American Contact Dermatitis Society 1.
• For individuals with recalcitrant hand dermatitis, seeking a dermatology consultation and considering patch testing to evaluate for clinically relevant causal allergens is recommended, as stated in the study by the American Contact Dermatitis Society 1.
• In cases where the rash is severe or widespread, or significantly impacts quality of life, considering phototherapy or systemic therapies, such as oral medications or injectable biologics, may be necessary, as outlined in the guidelines for the management of atopic dermatitis in adults 1.
• It is also important to note that some clinical trials allow or encourage the concomitant use of topical anti-inflammatory medications with phototherapy and systemic therapies, as mentioned in the guidelines for the management of atopic dermatitis in adults 1.
• Additionally, using barrier creams, such as restorative creams or humectants, and switching to less-irritating products can be helpful in managing irritant contact dermatitis, as suggested by the American Contact Dermatitis Society 1.
• If the rash persists or worsens, seeking medical attention is crucial to rule out other potential diagnoses, such as allergic contact dermatitis or cutaneous lymphoma, as recommended in the guidelines for the management of atopic dermatitis in adults 1.

From the FDA Drug Label

Uses temporarily relieves itching associated with minor skin irritations, inflammation, and rashes due to: eczema psoriasis poison ivy, oak, sumac insect bites detergents jewelry cosmetics soaps seborrheic dermatitis Directions for itching of skin irritation, inflammation, and rashes: adults and children 2 years of age and older: apply to affected area not more than 3 to 4 times daily

• Hydrocortisone (TOP) can be used to treat arm rash, as it temporarily relieves itching associated with minor skin irritations, inflammation, and rashes.
• The recommended application for adults and children 2 years of age and older is to apply to the affected area not more than 3 to 4 times daily 2 2.

From the Research

Treating Arm Rash

• The treatment of arm rash can vary depending on the underlying cause of the condition.
• For fungal infections, clotrimazole/betamethasone diproprionate is a commonly prescribed topical agent 3, 4.
• However, the use of high-potency topical corticosteroids like clotrimazole/betamethasone diproprionate has been a concern due to potential risks associated with their use, especially in high-risk settings or for prolonged periods 3, 4.
• Alternative agents with anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties may be considered as a replacement for clotrimazole/betamethasone diproprionate 3.
• Other studies have investigated the use of different topical agents, such as fluocinonide cream, hydrocortisone cream, and calcineurin inhibitors, for the treatment of skin conditions like discoid lupus erythematosus 5.
• A double-blind study compared the efficacy and tolerability of a combination product containing clotrimazole and hydrocortisone with its individual components, finding the combination product to be the most effective in all groups and symptoms 6.

Topical Agents for Arm Rash

• Clotrimazole/betamethasone diproprionate: a combination antifungal/corticosteroid cream 3, 7, 4
• Fluocinonide cream: a potent topical steroid 5
• Hydrocortisone cream: a low-potency topical steroid 5
• Calcineurin inhibitors: such as pimecrolimus 1% cream or tacrolimus 0.1% cream 5
• Clotrimazole-hydrocortisone combination product: an ointment/water emulsion 6