Dermatitis

Introduction

Dermatitis is a general term that describes inflammation of the skin. It can take many forms and occur in many different types of people. Dermatitis is not contagious, but it can make you feel uncomfortable and self-conscious. A combination of self-care steps and medications can help you treat dermatitis.

Types of Dermatitis

There are several different types of dermatitis, including:

Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, is a chronic condition that causes the skin to become itchy and red. It's common in children but can occur at any age. Atopic dermatitis is long-lasting (chronic) and tends to flare periodically. It may be accompanied by asthma or hay fever.

Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is a skin rash caused by contact with a certain substance. The substance might irritate the skin or trigger an allergic reaction. Some people react to strong irritants after a single exposure. Others may develop signs and symptoms after repeated exposures to even mild irritants. And some people develop an allergy to certain substances or products.

Seborrheic Dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis is a common skin condition that mainly affects the scalp, causing scaly patches, red skin, and stubborn dandruff. It can also affect oily areas of the body, such as the face, sides of the nose, eyebrows, ears, eyelids, and chest.

A close-up of a patch of skin affected by dermatitis, showing redness, swelling, and small blisters.

Causes

Dermatitis is often caused by a combination of factors, including:

Genetic factors: Certain types of dermatitis, such as atopic dermatitis, have a genetic component and can run in families.
Environmental factors: Contact with certain substances, such as soaps, cosmetics, jewelry, detergents, and substances that cause allergies, can trigger dermatitis.
Health conditions: Certain health conditions, such as asthma, allergies, and autoimmune diseases, can increase the risk of developing dermatitis.

Symptoms

The symptoms of dermatitis can vary depending on the type and the individual, but they often include:

Redness
Swelling
Itching
Skin lesions
Dry, scaly, or cracked skin
Blisters, sometimes oozing and becoming crusty

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of dermatitis is often based on a physical examination and a review of your medical history. In some cases, additional tests may be needed, such as:

Patch testing: This test is used to see if a specific substance or product is causing allergic contact dermatitis.
Skin biopsy: In this test, a small piece of skin is removed and examined under a microscope. This can help rule out other conditions that can mimic dermatitis.
Blood tests: These can be helpful in diagnosing atopic dermatitis and ruling out other conditions.

Treatment

Treatment for dermatitis depends on the type, severity, and cause of the condition. It often includes:

Topical creams and ointments: These can help reduce inflammation and itching. They may contain corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, or other anti-inflammatory drugs.
Oral medications: These may be used for severe cases of dermatitis or when topical treatments are not effective. They may include corticosteroids, antibiotics (if the skin is infected), or drugs that suppress the immune system.
Light therapy: This involves exposing the skin to controlled amounts of natural or artificial light. It can be effective for some types of dermatitis, particularly severe cases of atopic dermatitis.

Prevention

Preventing dermatitis often involves avoiding substances that irritate your skin or trigger an allergic reaction. Here are some tips:

Use mild soaps and detergents.
Moisturize your skin regularly.
Wear gloves when using chemicals or doing work that might irritate your skin.
Avoid scratching or rubbing the affected area.