Dermatitis: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
Dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin that is caused by a variety of factors. It is not contagious, but it can affect your self-esteem and quality of life. Dermatitis can cause many symptoms, including itching, dryness, redness, swelling, blisters, and scaling. Dermatitis comes in many forms and each has its own causes and treatments. In this blog post, we will discuss the most common types of dermatitis, their causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
Types of Dermatitis
The most common types of dermatitis are:
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As well as being known as eczema, atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin condition usually affecting people who have allergies, asthma, or hay fever in their families. Symptoms include dry, itchy, and inflamed patches of skin that flare up and subside periodically. Most affected are the face, neck, elbows, knees, wrists, and ankles.
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An allergic or irritant reaction to a substance triggers contact dermatitis. The substance can be a chemical, a plant, a metal, a cosmetic product, or anything else that the skin is sensitive to. It occurs on the hands, feet, and other parts of the body that are exposed to the substance. The most affected areas include redness, itching, burning, stinging, and blisters.
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The scalp, chest, and back are all affected by seborrheic dermatitis, a type of dermatitis that causes scaly patches, skin discoloration, and dandruff. The condition is more common in people with oily skin, stress, hormonal changes, or certain medical conditions.
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There are other types of dermatitis, including dyshidrotic dermatitis (which causes small blisters on the hands and feet), neurodermatitis (which causes itching), nummular dermatitis (which causes coin-shaped sores on the skin), and stasis dermatitis (which causes skin changes due to poor blood circulation).
Causes of Dermatitis
It is unclear what causes dermatitis, but genetic, environmental, and immune factors may play a role.
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A defect in the skin barrier that makes it more prone to dryness and irritation
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An overactive immune system that reacts to harmless substances or triggers inflammation
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An exposure to allergens or irritants that cause an allergic or irritant reaction
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A fungal or bacterial infection that affects the skin
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A hormonal imbalance that affects the oil production of the skin
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A stress or emotional factor that worsens the symptoms
Symptoms of Dermatitis
Dermatitis symptoms vary depending on the type and severity of the disease. Some common symptoms are:
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Itching that can be mild to severe and interfere with sleep and daily activities
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Dryness that makes the skin rough and cracked
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Redness that indicates inflammation and irritation
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Swelling that results from fluid accumulation in the affected area
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Blisters that may ooze or crust over
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Scaling that makes the skin flaky and peeling
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Discoloration that changes the color of the skin to darker or lighter shades
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Thickening that makes the skin hard and leathery
Diagnosis of Dermatitis
The doctor will examine your skin and ask you about your medical history, family history, symptoms, triggers, and lifestyle factors to diagnose dermatitis. To rule out other conditions or determine the cause of your dermatitis, your doctor may perform some tests, including:
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In a patch test, your doctor will apply adhesive patches to your skin and check for any reactions after 48 hours.
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During a skin biopsy, a small sample of your skin is taken and examined under a microscope for signs of inflammation or infection.
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An allergy or immune disorder blood test involves taking a sample of your blood and analyzing it for antibodies and other markers.
Treatment of Dermatitis
A common treatment for dermatitis is to relieve symptoms, reduce inflammation, prevent infection, and avoid triggers.
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To prevent dryness and itching, moisturizers hydrate and protect the skin barrier.
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It can be applied topically as creams or ointments or taken orally as pills or injections. Corticosteroids reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system.
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Itching and swelling can be relieved with antihistamines, which block histamine, a chemical involved in allergic reactions.
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It is a class of medicine that kills bacteria and prevents infection. It can be applied topically as creams or ointments, or taken orally as pills or injections.
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Medications that kill fungi can be applied topically as creams or ointments or taken orally as pills or injections.
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The term immunomodulators refers to medications that modify the immune system and reduce inflammation. They can be applied topically as creams or ointments, or taken orally as pills or injections.
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Using ultraviolet light to expose the skin to controlled doses of radiation, phototherapy reduces inflammation and improves skin conditions.
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Lifestyle changes: These are changes that you can make to improve your skin's health and avoid triggers. They include avoiding scratching, wearing loose and breathable clothing, using gentle and fragrance-free products, managing stress, and avoiding allergens.
Prevention of Dermatitis
Some general tips for preventing dermatitis depend on the type and cause of the condition.
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Keep your skin moisturized and protected
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Avoid contact with allergens or irritants
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Use sunscreen and protective clothing when exposed to the sun
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Maintain a healthy diet and drink plenty of water
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Seek medical attention if you notice any signs of infection or worsening of symptoms
Outlook
Most people suffer from dermatitis, a common and manageable condition. Despite its discomfort and distress, dermatitis does not pose a serious threat to your health. If you follow proper diagnosis, treatment, and prevention, you can control your symptoms and improve your quality of life. Consult your doctor if you have any concerns or questions about dermatitis.
