Dermatitis

Definition

Dermatitis known as eczema, is characterized by redness, pain and itching of the skin. In simple words we can say that dermatitis is the inflammation of skin. The dermatitis can be classified as:

• Acute Dermatitis type of dermatitis refers to a rapidly evolving red rash which may be blistered and swollen.
• Subacute Dermatitis has scaling and crusting.
• Chronic Dermatitis - It refers to a longstanding irritable area and has lichenification.

Causes of Dermatitis

• Another possible cause of eczema is contact with substances that irritate the skin chemically, called irritant contact dermatitis. This is caused by direct contact between the skin and the substance such as which might be pesticides, paint strippers, alcohol, astringents, cleaner, perfumes, soaps, detergents, diesel or engine oil and household cleaners.
• Intense emotion or stress, may also cause eczema.
• Food allergies - Some people are allergic to some specific food items. This type of allergy is more common in infants and children of very small age, they usually develop atopic dermatitis. The foods causing allergy includes: - nuts, eggs, dairy products.
• Dermatitis usually occurs in cold weather and is most common in people having dry skin.
• Other substances can cause allergic reactions, they may include - which is found in jewelry and belt buckles; tanning agents in leather; latex rubber; and citrus fruit, especially the peeling, hair dyes or straighteners; the metal nickel.
• Even certain medications applied to the skin can cause dermatitis as a side effect.
• Fungal skin infection may also lead to dermatitis.
• Respiratory Allergy - In affected individuals, respiratory allergy to house dust mites, pollen and animal epithelia may cause skin changes if they come into contact with the allergen.
• Sweating induced by e.g. impermeable clothing, hot work places or stress may lead to eczema (dermatitis).
• Bacterial skin infections.
• Viral skin infections.

There are two types of Dermatitis:

• Eczematous- Eczema is difficult to treat once it is established. It can be caused easily through direct contact.
• Non-Eczematous - Noneczematous dermatitis is usually due to direct contact with an irritant.

Symptoms of Dermatitis

The most common symptoms of dermatitis includes:

• Burns may be seen in chronic condition.
• Eczema may occur, before dermatitis.
• Herpes Simplex Virus attack to the affected area of the skin.
• The occurrence of red patches on the skin are common in dermatitis.
• You may have the feeling of itchy in the affected area.
• Atopic eczema usually affects the backs of the knees and the front of the elbows as well as the chest, face and neck.
• The skin gets dry.
• There will be small water blisters on the skin, particularly on the hands and feet.

Treatment of Dermatitis

• Topical steroids - Apply a topical steroid cream or ointment to the itchy patches for a at least five to fifteen days. Steroids should usually be applied once or twice daily to the red and itchy areas only.
• Wear soft, smooth and cool clothes while you are suffering from dermatitis.
• Apply an emollient liberally and often, particularly after bathing, and when itchy. Ask your dermatologist to recommend some to try.
• Avoid perfumed products as much as possible.
• Bath no more than once daily.
• The sedating antihistamines are sometimes prescribed to help reduce severe itching and irritation during acute dermatitis. They are particularly more useful at night.
• The use of immunosuppressant medicines, may be tried to bring the inflammation of skin under control.
• Gamolenic acid is an alternative remedy sometimes used to treat dermatitis. They increase the level of essential fatty acid.
• Pimecrolimus is a new anti-inflammatory cream shown to be very effective for atopic dermatitis, with fewer side effects than topical steroids.
• Other treatment options may include Systemic steroids, Azathioprine, Phototherapy.