DERMATITIS
Dermatitis is a general term that describes the inflammation of the skin.
- Dermatitis is characterized by red skin, itchiness, and a rash.
- The area of skin involved can vary from small to the entire body.
- Dermatitis as a condition is not contagious but may cause the sufferer to be uncomfortable.
- In 2015, the condition was estimated to affect 245 million people globally
- It is a group of condition that includes atopic dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, irritant contact dermatitis, and seborrheic dermatitis.
- Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin condition that has a genetic basis and is mostly seen in families. It is the most common type and usually begins in childhood. Many people outgrow the condition by adulthood, although some people continue to experience flare-ups as adults. Typically affected skin areas are where the skin flexes such as the folds of the arm, the front of the neck and behind the knees. It can cause dry, extremely itchy patches that are sometimes scaly. When scratched, the patches can become infected.
- Contact dermatitis may occur when the body comes in contact with substances that either causes a delayed allergic reaction (allergic contact dermatitis) or irritate the skin (irritant contact dermatitis), such as detergents, essential oils, cosmetics, dye, and other chemicals. Contact dermatitis is twice more common in female than in the male.
- Serrboheic dermatitis usually affects the area of the body rich in oil glands such as the scalp, face, upper chest, and back. In infants, it is known as cradle cap.
CAUSES
The causes of dermatitis vary between the types
Atopic dermatitis is related to a lot of factors such as environmental conditions, an immune system dysfunction, dry skin, a gene variation and bacteria on the skin.
Contact dermatitis is caused by direct contact to one or many allergens or irritants such as cosmetics, detergents, poison ivy, perfumes, dyes, adhesives, rubber derivatives, nickel, preservatives found in creams and lotions, shampoos, and spray insecticides.
Serrboheic dermatitis is caused by a fungus called Malassezia that is in the oil secretion of the skin. It is also related to a lot of factors such as the irregular response of the human system, an issue with the nervous system, and the lack of some certain nutrients.
SYMPTOMS
Dermatitis symptoms vary with all different types of the condition, however, certain symptoms that are common to all of them, include redness of the skin, swelling, itching and skin lesions.
Atopic dermatitis symptoms vary from one person to another, the most common symptoms are dry, itchy, red skin. Typically affected skin areas are where the skin flexes such as the folds of the arm, the front of the neck, wrists and behind the knees.
Contact dermatitis symptoms may include
- A red rash
- Itching which can become intense
- Bumps and blisters sometimes with oozing
- Swelling, burning or tenderness
- Dry, cracked skin
Serrboheic dermatitis symptoms may include:
- Soreness
- itching
- patchy scaling on the scalp
- dry or greasy peeling of the scalp, eyebrows, and face
DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT
The diagnosis of dermatitis is made by the doctor after talking to you about your symptoms and carrying out an examination of the skin. The doctor will be able to determine if you have the condition on the basis of its appearance. The doctor may suggest skin biopsy or other tests to help rule out other skin conditions.
Patch tests are used in the diagnosis of allergic contact dermatitis
TREATMENT
Treatment varies depending on the cause. The aim of treatment is to control symptoms by reducing inflammation and reducing itching.
Contact dermatitis is treated by avoiding what is causing it.
Corticosteroids cream may be effective in controlling and suppressing symptoms in most cases.
Topical immunosuppressant such as tacrolimus may also help and may be recommended for those who do not respond to steroids.
Exposing the affected area to controlled amount of natural or artificial light (phototherapy) may also be helpful.
Lifestyle and home remedies may also help to manage your condition, such as:
- warm bath
- bleach bath for people with severe atopic dermatitis
- avoid rubbing and scratching
- wearing cotton cloth
- moisturizing the skin
- use nonprescription anti-inflammation and anti-itch product such as calamine lotion, oral antihistamines