Dermatitis

Several skin disorders fall into a certain category called dermatitis. The word, a blanket term for “inflammation of the skin”, covers a lot of skin problems, all of which come with red and itchy rashes.

Sometimes, the skin condition known as eczema is used to mean dermatitis. Both terms are generally used interchangeably. Certain types of this condition occur in specific areas of the body, while some others affect just about any part. Likewise, there are types with known causes, and there are those whose causes remain unknown. But, all in all, dermatitis is considered to be the skin’s reaction to extreme dryness, irritants, allergens, or scratching.

Dermatitis has been found to develop in one out of five people. It is brought about by various causes and involves different patterns. It can occur as chronic, acute, or both. Chronic eczema is characterized by the presence of a long-term irritable area of the skin that is usually darker than the skin surrounding it. Acute eczema is characterized by a hastily developing red rash on the skin that is sometimes swollen or blistered. A condition falling between these two types is referred to as subacute eczema. However, there are a lot more types of dermatitis existent, other than these three.

Several health issues, genetic elements, irritants, allergies, and mental and physical stresses, are known to trigger the onset of dermatitis. Contact dermatitis is caused by getting in direct contact with any allergen or irritant, such as soap and other cleaning products.

Stasis dermatitis takes place when there is fluid accumulation within the tissues underneath the skin. This usually appears on the lower leg, and the build-up is often caused by varicose veins.

Perioral dermatitis is somewhat like adult acne, or other type such as seborrhic dermatitis, that involves the area around the nose or mouth. The exact reason for its onset is unknown. However, make-up, topical corticosteroids, moisturizers, and certain dental products which have fluoride content are believed to trigger it.

Atopic dermatitis comes with certain allergies and occurs in people whose family members have hay fever or asthma. This condition typically starts during infancy, with its level of severity generally varying within the patient’s childhood and adolescent stages. It has not been established what causes this skin disorder, but experts believe damage to the immune system, along with dry skin, sets it off. Stress can aggravate this condition, although it does not directly cause it.

Seborrhic dermatitis involves symptoms such as red rash, and yellow, oily scales. This condition frequently develops in people whose hair or skin is oily, and may likely recur. The infants’ version of this skin disorder is referred to as cradle cap.

Neurodermatitis occurs in areas of the body where the skin is exposed to tight garments, or anything which causes scratching or rubbing of skin. This condition is a form of skin irritation as it involves frequent rubbing or scratching of the skin. Common areas include wrist, nape, arm, and ankles.

Although some types of dermatitis happen early on in childhood, these are actually preventable conditions, and symptoms may also be alleviated through simple means. Preventing the skin to become dry is one major factor in the prevention of dermatitis, or avoiding its recurrence. Drying can be minimized through: bathing less often, using mild soaps and detergents, drying oneself carefully, and moisturizing the skin. Moreover, patients with dermatitis can manage the condition by: not scratching their skin, dressing appropriately, wearing comfortable clothes, and avoiding irritants and allergens.

People can only do so much to change the environment they are exposing themselves to. But just because the world is home to so many hazards does not mean that people have to let these elements affect them.