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What is Dermatitis? |
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Symptoms
Dermatitis is a rough term which is indicative of a swollenness or inflammation of the skin. There are various kinds of the condition, such as seborrheic and atopic (eczema) dermatitis. But there is one symptom which persists regardless of the cause and type of the condition: a swollen, itching skin rash. Although dermatitis is a very common disease, it isn’t particularly health-threatening and contagious; it can discomfit the person who has it though.
Causes
Various factors can result in dermatitis, and these are indicative of the type of the disease which the patient bears. Contact dermatitis is caused by the skin’s contact with any irritant or allergen; irritants such as soap, detergent, and housecleaning products, and allergens like rubber, metal from coins or jewelry, make-up, perfume, certain plants like poison ivy, and neomycin (an antibiotic) can cause contact dermatitis. Neurodermatitis can progress if an itching sensation on a certain area of the skin causes the patient to rub or scratch it repeatedly. These areas normally involve the ankles or wrists, the elbow areas, and the back of the neck. The condition may also be caused by other conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Seborrheic dermatitis normally occurs in the scalp for patients with oily skin, and is dependent on the seasons. Stasis dermatitis happens when fluid builds up under the skin tissues, caused usually by varicose veins. Atopic dermatitis normally occurs simultaneously with an allergy, and is prevalent in families with a history of asthma or hay fever. The exact cause of perioral dermatitis is unknown, but cosmetic and dental products, as well as topical corticosteroids are believed to be contributors to such.
Diagnosis
The physician comes up with a diagnosis after a consultation with the patient, and following an examination of the affected area. For Contact dermatitis, the doctor may apply minimal amounts of a variety of substances on the skin with an adhesive strip, in an effort to determine if any of these causes an inflammation. The area is then reexamined for reactions during return visits.
Treatment Info
Dermatitis is treated differently, depending on the type and the cause of the condition. The irritant or allergen which causes Contact dermatitis is identified, and the patient is advised to avoid it; steroidal creams may be prescribed to relieve itchiness. The affected area is kept from aggravation with Neurodermatitis, either by covering up the area, or with the use of antidepressant medication. Since seborrheic dermatitis usually affects the scalp, medical shampoos are the first option, followed by topical hydrocortisone preparations. Treatment for Stasis dermatitis involves the correction of the condition which allows fluid buildup on the legs, either with an elastic pantyhose or a varicose vein surgery. Hydrocortisone is enough to ease the symptoms of Atopic dermatitis, and if the area opens up, wet dressings with mild astringent applications may be used on the skin, in order to minimize secretion and infection. For Perioral dermatitis, a prescribed intake of ingested tetracycline antibiotics may be necessary, and may be maintained for the next few months to avoid a recurrence. OTC antihistamines can effectively minimize the itching sensation in all of the cases previously mentioned.
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