Hello Dear. Your boyfriend is probably having contact dermatitis. There are 2 types in this. Allergic and irritant contact dermatitis. The symptoms of allergic contact dermatitis include: 1. dry, scaly, flaky skin 2. hives 3. oozing or dry blisters 4. skin redness 5. skin that appears darkened or leathery 6. skin that burns with or without sores 7. extreme itching 8. sun sensitivity 9. swelling, especially in the eyes, face, or groin areas Irritant contact dermatitis may cause slightly different symptoms, such as: 1. blistering 2. cracking skin due to extreme dryness 3. swelling 4. skin that feels stiff or tightened 5. ulcerations 6. open sores that form crusts Treatment Avoid scratching your irritated skin if you think you may be experiencing contact dermatitis. Scratching can make the irritation worse or even cause a skin infection that requires antibiotics. Instead, clean your skin with soap and lukewarm water to remove any irritants. One way to soothe the rash is to mix two tablespoons of baking soda in cool water. Soak a washcloth in the cool water, wring it out, and apply it to the skin. Other anti-itch treatments include calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream. You can purchase these items at most drugstores. Your doctor can prescribe a more potent steroid cream if these creams don’t soothe your skin. Taking an antihistamine drug such as diphenhydramine can help to cut down on itching and reduce your allergic response. Avoid scratching your irritated skin if you think you may be experiencing contact dermatitis. Scratching can make the irritation worse or even cause a skin infection that requires antibiotics. Instead, clean your skin with soap and lukewarm water to remove any irritants. One way to soothe the rash is to mix two tablespoons of baking soda in cool water. Soak a washcloth in the cool water, wring it out, and apply it to the skin. Other anti-itch treatments include calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream. You can purchase these items at most drugstores. Your doctor can prescribe a more potent steroid cream if these creams don’t soothe your skin. Taking an antihistamine drug such as diphenhydramine can help to cut down on itching and reduce your allergic response. Preventive tips Avoiding initial exposure to irritants can help prevent contact dermatitis symptoms. Try these tips: 1. Purchase products labeled hypoallergenic or unscented. 2. Refrain from wearing latex gloves if you have a latex allergy. Opt for vinyl gloves if you do need to wear gloves to protect your skin. 3. Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants when hiking in the wilderness. 4. Apply water-repellent petroleum jelly before putting on latex gloves to further protect your skin. 5. Apply hand lotions or creams to prevent your skin from drying out. Hope i have answered your question. Feel free to contact me if you have any more questions. I ll be glad to help you. All the best With warm regards Dr Sanjay Kini