Dermatitis
Dermatitis is a general term that describes an inflammation of the skin. Dermatitis is a common condition that usually isn't life-threatening or contagious. Even so, it can make you feel uncomfortable and self-conscious. Although dermatitis can have many causes and occurs in many forms, this disorder usually involves an itchy rash on swollen, reddened skin. There are many types of dermatitis, including allergic dermatitis, eczema, and seborrheic dermatitis (which causes dandruff). Eczema is a chronic condition, and symptoms may come and go.
Although every type of dermatitis has different symptoms, there are certain signs that are common for all of them, including redness of the skin, swelling, itching and skin lesions and sometimes oozing and scarring. Also, the area of the skin on which the symptoms appear tends to be different with every type of dermatitis.
What Causes It?
Contact dermatitis: caused by allergic reactions (for example, to poison oak or ivy, or soaps, or detergents)
Seborrheic dermatitis: may be caused by oily skin or hair, or brought on by stress
Atopic dermatitis (eczema): exact cause is unknown, but may be due to a combination of dry skin and an autoimmune reaction. People who have eczema often have other allergies.
What Are the Treatments for Dermatitis?
The first steps in treating dermatitis are to identify the type of dermatitis you have and eliminate the cause, if possible. The most common treatments for dermatitis are topical steroids – ointments, creams and lotions containing steroid medicines that get to work on the skin by reducing inflammation. But these steroids can aggravate sensitive skin, especially if they’re over-used. In some cases, they can thin the skin and inhibit its ability to fight off further infections.
Although every type of dermatitis has different symptoms, there are certain signs that are common for all of them, including redness of the skin, swelling, itching and skin lesions and sometimes oozing and scarring. Also, the area of the skin on which the symptoms appear tends to be different with every type of dermatitis.
What Causes It?
Contact dermatitis: caused by allergic reactions (for example, to poison oak or ivy, or soaps, or detergents)
Seborrheic dermatitis: may be caused by oily skin or hair, or brought on by stress
Atopic dermatitis (eczema): exact cause is unknown, but may be due to a combination of dry skin and an autoimmune reaction. People who have eczema often have other allergies.
What Are the Treatments for Dermatitis?
The first steps in treating dermatitis are to identify the type of dermatitis you have and eliminate the cause, if possible. The most common treatments for dermatitis are topical steroids – ointments, creams and lotions containing steroid medicines that get to work on the skin by reducing inflammation. But these steroids can aggravate sensitive skin, especially if they’re over-used. In some cases, they can thin the skin and inhibit its ability to fight off further infections.