Types of dermatitis and
eczema
Dermatitis or eczema is often drier and covers more area than the typical
psoriasis case. It can often be mistaken for psoriasis and vice versa. For this
reason each person should have their condition professionally diagnosed by a
dermatologist of their doctor. Dermatitis occurs in several types, each with
distinct signs and symptoms:
contact dermatitis: This type of Dermatitis occurs with an
allergen such as poison ivy or an irritant such as skin soap. Signs and symptoms
include redness and itching. In severe cases, you may have blisters and weeping
sores. The skin changes in contact Dermatitis are limited to where you had
contact with the allergen or irritant.
neurodermatitis: This type, which occurs because of
repeated scratching, may appear as small, flat areas (plaques) of various sizes,
1 to 10 inches (2.5 to 25 centimetres) in diameter. These areas have definite
margins that have become thick and leather like (lichenoides). This type of
Dermatitis is also known as lichen simplex chronicus.
seborrheic dermatitis: You may notice greasy, scaling areas
at the sides of your nose, between your eyebrows, behind your ears or over your
breastbone. This type can appear as a stubborn, itchy dandruff. Dandruff is
usually due to mild seborrheic Dermatitis of the scalp. Seborrheic Dermatitis
may appear as cradle cap crusty, scaly skin on your baby's scalp. Cradle cap
usually doesn't appear in children older than 1 year.
stasis dermatitis: This type often occurs with varicose
veins. Stasis Dermatitis may cause the skin at your ankles and over your shins
to become discoloured (red or brown), thick and itchy.
atopic dermatitis: Signs and symptoms of this type include
itchy, thickened, fissured skin, most often in the folds of the elbows or backs
of your knees. When this type occurs in babies, it's called infantile eczema.
What causes dermatitis and eczema?
A number of health conditions, allergies, genetic factors, physical and
mental stress, and irritants can cause Dermatitis.
contact dermatitis: results from direct contact with one of
many irritants or allergens. Common irritants include laundry soap, skin soap
and cleaning products. Possible allergens include rubber, metals, jewellery,
perfume, cosmetics and weeds such as poison ivy. It takes a larger amount of an
irritant over a longer time to cause Dermatitis than it takes for an allergen.
If you're sensitized to an allergen, just brief exposure to a small amount of it
can cause Dermatitis.
neurodermatitis: can occur when something such as a tight
garment rubs or scratches your skin. This irritation may lead you to rub or
scratch your skin repeatedly. Common locations include ankles, wrist, outer
forearm or arm, and the back of your neck.
seborrheic dermatitis: is often an inherited tendency. It
may occur during times of stress or in people who have neurologic conditions
such as Parkinson's disease.
stasis dermatitis: can occur when fluid accumulates in the
tissues just beneath your skin. Varicose veins and other chronic conditions in
your legs can cause the fluid build-up.
atopic dermatitis: often occurs with allergies and
frequently runs in families in which other family members have asthma or hay
fever. It usually begins in infancy and may increase and decrease in severity
during childhood and adolescence. It tends to become less of a problem in
adulthood, unless you're exposed to allergens or irritants in the workplace.
Dermatitis and eczema treatments and cures
Treatment of Dermatitis varies, depending on the cause:
contact dermatitis: Treatment consists primarily of
identifying the cause of irritation and avoiding it. Sometimes, creams
containing hydrocortisone, or wet dressings that provide moisture to your skin,
may help relieve redness and itching.
neurodermatitis: Getting you to stop scratching and to
avoid aggravating your skin are the treatment objectives. Accomplishing this may
mean wearing a dressing that's difficult to remove and that's left on for a week
or more. Hydrocortisone lotions and creams may help soothe your skin. You may
find that wet compresses provide relief. Sedatives and tranquilizers also may
help you stop scratching, but your doctor will want to monitor your use of these
substances because they can be addictive.
seborrheic dermatitis: You'll need to frequently shampoo and
then carefully rinse your scalp. Your doctor may recommend a specific shampoo.
Commonly used shampoos contain tar, zinc pyrithiamine, salicylic acid or
ketoconazole as the active ingredient. Hydrocortisone creams and lotions may
soothe your skin and relieve itching. You also may need treatment for a
secondary infection.
stasis dermatitis: Treatment consists of correcting the
condition that causes fluid to accumulate in your ankles for extended periods.
This may mean wearing elastic support hose or even choosing varicose vein
surgery. You may also use wet dressings to soften the thickened, yet fragile,
skin and to control infection.
atopic dermatitis: Treatment typically consists of applying
hydrocortisone-containing lotions. Two recently approved topical medications are
tacrolimus (protopic) and pimecrolimus (Elidel), medications that affect the
immune system. Doctors may recommend using these medications in conjunction with
hydrocortisone preparations or in place of them. If your skin cracks open,
doctors sometimes prescribe wet dressings with mildly astringent properties that
contract the skin and reduce secretions to prevent infection. If itching is
severe, your doctor may suggest you take antihistamines. For all types of
Dermatitis, occasional use of over-the-counter antihistamines can reduce
itching.
How to prevent dermatitis and eczema
preventing contact Dermatitis means avoiding coming into contact with those
substances, such as poison ivy or harsh soaps that may cause it. Avoiding dry
skin may be one factor in helping you prevent future bouts of Dermatitis. These
tips can help you minimize the drying effects of bathing on your skin:
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Bathe less frequently. Two or three times a week is often enough for most
people. Limit yourself to 15 minutes, and use warm, rather than hot, water.
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Use only certain soaps. Choose super fatted, non sudsing soaps such as Dove,
Basis or Ivory that clean without removing natural oils. Soap substitutes in
bar, gel and liquid forms are less drying than deodorant and antibacterial
soaps. Use soap only on your face, underarms, genital areas, hands and feet.
Use clear water elsewhere.
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Dry yourself carefully. Brush your skin rapidly with the palms of your hands,
or gently pat your skin dry with a towel after bathing.
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Moisturize your skin. Seal in moisture, while your skin is still damp, with an
oil or cream. Pay special attention to your legs, arms, back and the sides
of your body. If your skin is already dry, consider using a lubricating
cream such as Vanicream, Eucerin or Sorbolene.
Dermatitis, also known as eczema, is a skin irritation characterized by red,
flaky skin, sometimes with cracks or tiny blisters. Dermatitis is extremely
itchy,
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