Dermatitis
Introduction
Dermatitis, also called Dermatitis, is an inflammation of the skin. There are different types of dermatitis, and the disorder can have many causes and occur in many forms. Generally, dermatitis describes swollen, reddened and itchy skin.
Dermatitis is a common condition that isn't life-threatening or contagious. But, it can make you feel uncomfortable and self-conscious. A combination of self-care steps and medications can help you treat dermatitis.
What does Dermatitis look and feel like?
Although dermatitis may look different from person to person, it is most often characterized by dry, red, extremely itchy patches on the skin. Dermatitis is sometimes referred to as "the itch that rashes," since the itch, when scratched, results in the appearance of the rash.
Dermatitis can occur on just about any part of the body; however, in infants, dermatitis typically occurs on the forehead, cheeks, forearms, legs, scalp, and neck. In children and adults, dermatitis typically occurs on the face, neck, and the insides of the elbows, knees, and ankles. In some people, dermatitis may "bubble up" and ooze. In others, the condition may appear more scaly, dry, and red. Chronic scratching causes the skin to take on a leathery texture because the skin thickens (lichenification).
What makes patients with Dermatitis itch?
Many substances have been identified as itch "triggers" in patients with dermatitis, and triggers are not the same for every person. Many times it is difficult to identify the exact trigger that causes a flare-up. For some, it seems that rough or coarse materials coming into contact with the skin causes itchiness. For others, feeling too hot and/or sweating will cause an outbreak. Other people find that certain soaps, detergents, disinfectants, contact with juices from fresh fruits and meats, dust mites, and animal saliva and danders may trigger itching. Upper respiratory infections (caused by viruses) may also be triggers. Stress can also sometimes aggravate an existing flare-up.
Who gets Dermatitis?
Dermatitis occurs in both children and adults, but usually appears during infancy. Although there is no known cause for the disease, it often affects people with a family history of allergies. Those who are genetically predisposed and then exposed to environmental triggers may develop dermatitis. Many people who have dermatitis also suffer from allergic rhinitis and asthma, or have family members who do.
How common is Dermatitis?
The National Institutes of Health estimates that 15 million people in the United States have some form of dermatitis. About 10 percent to 20 percent of all infants have dermatitis; however, in nearly half of these children, the disease will improve greatly by the time they are between five and 15 years of age. Others will have some form of the disease throughout their lives.
How can Dermatitis be prevented?
Dermatitis outbreaks can usually be avoided with some simple precautions. The following suggestions may help to reduce the severity and frequency of flare-ups:
- Moisturize frequently
- Avoid sudden changes in temperature or humidity
- Avoid sweating or overheating
- Reduce stress
- Avoid scratchy materials (e.g., wool or other irritants)
- Avoid harsh soaps, detergents, and solvents
- Avoid environmental factors that trigger allergies (e.g., pollens, molds, mites, and animal dander)
- Be aware of any foods that may cause an outbreak and avoid those foods.
Dermatitis, also called “dermatitis,” is not one specific skin condition. Several types of Dermatitis exist, and sometimes a person develops more than one type.
- Atopic dermatitis
- Contact dermatitis
- Dyshidrotic dermatitis
- Hand dermatitis
- Neurodermatitis
- Nummular dermatitis
- Occupational dermatitis
- Seborrheic dermatitis
- Stasis dermatitis
Dermatitis Treatment
While Dermatitis cannot be cured, most cases can be controlled by: Making lifestyle modifications to prevent flare-ups Seeing a dermatologist for treatment Using medication as prescribed This approach tends to prevent inflammation and itching and keeps Dermatitis from getting worse. Dermatologists recommend that treatment be sought at the onset of signs and symptoms. When therapy begins early, it often reduces severity and duration.
Treatment
Once Dermatitis is diagnosed, a treatment plan will be made based on:
- Type and severity of the Dermatitis present
- Age, health, and medical history (including presence of other conditions)
- History of previous treatment
A topical (applied to the skin) medication may be prescribed to help relieve itching and inflammation. Another way to treat the itch is with a non-sedating antihistamine. If itching is severe, a sedative antihistamine may be recommended. Skin infections caused by bacteria, such as staphylococcus aureus (staph) or streptococcal (strep), are treated with an antibiotic. Some antibiotics are applied to the skin; others come in pill or liquid form. An antiviral is prescribed to treat an infection caused by a virus. The antiviral medication may come in topical, pill, or liquid form. It also may be given as a shot. An infection caused by a fungus is treated with an antifungal medication.
Certain types of severe dermatitis may be treated with phototherapy. Stronger systemic medications, such as corticosteroids and cyclosporine, may be prescribed to treat severe Dermatitis that has been unresponsive to treatment.
Since so many factors affect why a person develops dermatitis, a treatment plan that works for one person may not effectively control dermatitis in another person. Sometimes it takes a bit of detective work to find an effective treatment plan.
Informations obtained from National Institute of Health.