Dermatitis is a group of skin problems related to genes, environment, and allergies.
In medical terms, “dermatitis” describes inflammation of the skin.
Dermatitis can be typed by cause, appearance, or site.
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Most types of dermatitis involve symptoms that include dry skin, itching,rashes, and inflamed skin.
Pain can occur as the problem worsens.
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Types and Symptoms
There are several types of dermatitis.
The main types include the following.
It is the most common form of dermatitis.
It is commonly associated with other allergic disorders, likeasthmaorhay fever.
It occurs in the area covered by an infant’s diaper.
Symptoms of diaper dermatitis affect the areas covered by a diaper.
They can include:
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Dyshidrotic dermatitis can occur as a single flare and then vanish forever.
Nummular dermatitis can occur with other types of dermatitis or as an isolated condition.
It can be mistaken foracneorrosacea.
These usually occur in oil-prone areas of your body except the palms and soles.
Mild seborrheic dermatitis on your scalp is often referred to asdandruff.
In infants, it is known ascradle cap.
The condition usually appears during infancy, adolescence, or in people age 30 or later.
It is caused bychronic venous insufficiency, a condition in which you have poor blood return within your veins.
The problem causes stasis (pooling of blood in your legs).
When the excess fluid leaks out of your blood vessels, it causes swelling.
Symptoms of stasis dermatitis include:
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Genetics
Atopic dermatitis, the most common bang out, tends to run in families.
Having a close family member with the condition increases your chances of having it.
Environmental Factors
Eczema can be triggered by certain materials and products in your environment.
Excess heat can trigger a flare-up when sweat collects in the folds of the skin, irritating it.
Very cold temperatures can dry skin and trigger dermatitis symptoms such as brittle and flaky skin.
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Contact dermatitis can occur as the result of an allergy to anallergen.
Common allergens include fragrances, skincare products, and preservatives.
Food allergies can also trigger dermatitis symptoms.
This can result in inflamed skin and dermatitis.
Stress andanxietycan also suppress the body’s immune system, increasing the risk of dermatitis.
Self-Care for Irritating Symptoms
Self-careinvolves using non-prescription treatments with or without supervision from your healthcare provider.
Avoid scratching the itchy or inflamed area:
Apply lotions and moisturizers as needed to provide relief.
Some antihistamines may have a sedative effect to help you sleep through the itching.
Do not use these products longer than advised on the label or by your healthcare provider.
Avoid ingredients known to trigger inflammation and flares.
These substances should be avoided alone or as an ingredient in skincare products, soaps, and shampoos.
Steroid creams are grouped into seven classes based on their concentration and performance.
Class I steroids, which are the strongest steroid creams, require a prescription.
Class VII steroids, such as hydrocortisone, are the least potent and available OTC.
They can be used as treatments in self-care when applied according to the package instructions.
The choice of formulation affects the way the steroid cream is absorbed.
However, they should be used as directed for the prescribed length of time to avoid adverse effects.
Your healthcare provider will determine the treatment and duration based on your condition.
Symptoms include redness or discoloration, itching, and rash.
It often results from heat, moisture, allergies, or a reaction to irritants.
Vulvular dermatitis can lead tovulvodynia(a pain disorder of the vulva).
Other factors, such as elevated levels of inflammatory substances in the vulva, may also be contributing factors.
Is Dermatitis Chronic?
Dermatitis is considered a chronic or long-term condition for most people.
It typically ebbs and flows in a cycle of flares and remission.
However, certain types of dermatitis can be limited.
While triggers vary by person, most people experience periods of disease flares and remission.
Symptoms can involve extremely dry skin, inflammation, scaling, and discomfort.
While most types of dermatitis are chronic, some types can resolve.
Finding your triggers and limiting your exposure to them can help you reduce your risk of flares.
Self-care can be useful for treating most cases of dermatitis.
However, if symptoms persist or show signs of infection, contact a healthcare provider.
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Reproduced with permission from © DermNet New Zealand and © Raimo Suhonenwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
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