Dermatitis

You may have experienced some form of skin rash or irritation. This could be a medical condition known as

 "Dermatitis." Research studies show that 1 in 10 people will develop dermatitis, which causes the skin to become red, dry, itchy, or swollen. There are several types of dermatitis, and their severity, causes, and symptoms may vary from person to person. Dermatitis is not contagious but can flare up (aggravate) due to physical and environmental triggers. Depending on the type of condition, it can occur in babies, children, and adults.  

Dermatitis can be easily managed and treated through regular moisturizers, prescription topical creams, or oral medication. Your doctor can help detect the condition and decide on the best action. Meanwhile, we will help you understand dermatitis so you are well-informed. 

What is Dermatitis?

Dermatitis is a general term for several skin irritations and rashes. "Dermal" means "skin," and "iris" means inflammation. Dermatitis is defined as the inflammation and irritation of the skin caused by various factors. It is characterized by itchy skin rashes that range from mild to severe and cause a variety of problems, depending on their cause.  

Several types of dermatitis can appear in infants, children, and even adults. Dermatitis is not contagious and does not pose serious harm, but persistent itchy rashes can negatively impact sleep and quality of life. 

What Are the Types of Dermatitis?

Common types of dermatitis include: 

Atopic Dermatitis

• This is often inherited and begins in infancy, popularly known as Eczema.
• It is characterized by red, dry, itchy areas, often in the neck, elbows, and knee folds.
• There is no cure; you may experience flare-ups due to several triggering factors.  

Contact Dermatitis 

• This occurs when your skin comes in contact with an irritant and causes an allergic reaction.
• You may develop itchy, stinging, burning rashes or blisters on your skin.  

Seborrheic Dermatitis 

• This is popularly known as a cradle cap in infants.
• It is usually seen on body parts that secrete oil, such as the scalp, face, and back. 
• You may notice your skin becoming dry, itchy, and flaky to produce dandruff.
• This type of dermatitis is cyclical and resolved temporarily but may return. 

Dyshidrotic Dermatitis

• It mainly occurs on the feet and hands due to increased perspiration (sweating).
• It results in itchy and dry skin accompanied by small blisters.  

Less common types of dermatitis include:

• Neurodermatitis is characterized by itchy patches of skin, often triggered by stress. 
• Nummular dermatitis: It involves the presence of circular (coin-like) sores on the skin, often occurring after an injury. 
• Stasis dermatitis: Skin changes occur due to poor blood flow, especially in the lower extremities, and are accompanied by skin thickening. 
• Dermatitis neglecta: This results from accumulated sweat, sebum, and bacteria in a localized skin area, forming a crust of dirt.  

What Causes Dermatitis?

You may develop dermatitis for a variety of reasons. Common causes include: 

Hereditary

• Having a family history of dermatitis, especially Eczema. 

Contact with an Irritant

• Irritants and allergens like certain foods, cosmetics, soaps, detergents, or medications can cause allergic reactions. 

Underlying Health Condition

• Certain health conditions like asthma and wheezing are associated with the development of dermatitis.   

Natural Occurrence

• Natural elements like yeast in sebum and sweat can increase your likelihood of developing dermatitis.  

Physical Activity

• Extreme physical activity can lead to the development of dermatitis due to increased sweating. 

Environmental Factors

• This may include exposure to tobacco soap, some air pollutants, or even fragrances and soaps.  

Other Causes 

• These may include stress, hormonal changes, asthma, allergies, loss of sleep, or depression. 

Risk Factors

• Having a family history
• The compromised immune system is seen in diabetes, HIV, etc. 
• Being a female 
• Children are more susceptible
• Certain occupations that put you in direct contact with environmental allergens  

What Are the Symptoms of Dermatitis?

Symptoms of dermatitis depend on its type and may also vary from person to person. Each type may have one or more of the following symptoms:

• Red rashes and bumps
• Itching
• Burning or stinging sensation 
• Dry, flaky skin
• Fluid-filled blisters
• Abnormal thickening, hardening, or swelling of the skin
• Crusting and scaling of the affected skin
• Painful ulcers 
• The cradle cap exhibits yellow scaly patches with a red rash

How Can Doctors Diagnose Dermatitis?

If you notice a skin rash, you must consult a dermatologist (a doctor specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions related to the skin, hair, and nails). Your doctor will evaluate your symptoms, assess your family, medical, and past history, and physically examine your skin.  

Furthermore, they may recommend a few diagnostic tests to confirm the diagnosis. These include: 

Skin Biopsy

• A small piece of the affected skin tissue will be removed and studied under a microscope. 

Patch Test

• Your doctor will expose your skin to various known substances (irritants and allergens) and monitor it for any abnormal changes.
• This helps doctors narrow down the causes to offer an effective treatment. 

How is Dermatitis Managed?

The treatment for dermatitis depends on the type, areas affected, and severity of the symptoms. Dermatitis may usually resolve on its own after a few days. However, if it doesn't clear up, your dermatologist may recommend the following:

• Medications to reduce inflammation and itching like antihistamines 
• Phototherapy, or exposing affected areas to controlled amounts of light
• Topical creams with steroids to soothe the skin and manage inflammation and swelling
• Emollients or moisturizers for dry, itchy skin
• Immunosuppressive therapies to reduce overactive immune response
• Biologics and antibiotic therapy that blocks the critical mediators of inflammation in dermatitis (cytokines) 

Home Remedies 

• Protect your skin from extreme sun exposure 
• Make sure you wear light cotton clothes to prevent skin irritation
• Avoid excess humid places
• Use a mild, fragrance-free soap
• Avoid hot baths and consider taking lukewarm water baths
• Avoid scratching your skin 
• Use moisturizing lotion to keep your skin moist and hydrated
• Use a cool, wet cloth on the affected skin for 15 to 20 minutes several times a day to soothe the itchy skin
• Identify and avoid known irritants like tobacco smoke, fragrant cosmetics, etc. 
• Manage stress with therapies like acupuncture, meditation, massage, and Yoga.

Summary

Dermatitis is a common skin rash that occurs when a specific allergen or irritant enters your body or comes in contact with your skin. It causes itchy, red, flaky rashes that are usually not contagious or harmless. Dermatitis manifests in several varieties and can affect infants, children, or adults. Treatment can help prevent or manage potential flare-ups. It may take some time for your dermatologist and you to figure out the proper treatment or combination of treatments.