Dermatitis is an umbrella term that refers to a variety of different skin conditions that result in skin inflammation along with other symptoms. When skin inflammation occurs, blood vessels within the skin dilate, resulting in red spots (erythema) in the affected area.
Dermatitis can occur as a result of exposure to sunlight. When the reaction is mild, it does not require treatment, as it goes away on its own after a short period.
The most common and mildest type of skin infection occurs as a result of environmental influences such as sunlight, hot water, or exposure to various acidic or alkaline substances.
Primary irritation is a reaction that occurs as a result of exposure to these substances, and can be prevented by changing the conditions that caused it, such as lowering the concentration or temperature of the substance.
Symptoms of dermatitis
The symptoms of dermatitis vary depending on the type of inflammation and can be classified as follows:
atopic dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis usually begins in childhood and manifests with a variety of symptoms, including:
- Itching in the affected area.
- red rash
contact dermatitis
Contact dermatitis occurs when certain substances come into contact with the skin, resulting in a red, itchy rash and possibly blisters.
seborrheic atopic dermatitis
This type of inflammation usually appears on oily parts of the body, such as the chest, face, and back, resulting in persistent scaly patches.
Follicular eczema
This type of dermatitis causes thickening of the affected skin and clumps of hair. It is more common in people of African heritage.
Causes of dermatitis and risk factors
The following items can be used to explain the causes and risk factors for dermatitis:
1- Causes of dermatitis
Dermatitis has several causes that vary depending on its type:
Atopic dermatitis:
Atopic dermatitis most often occurs for the following reasons:
- Dry skin.
- Genetic influences.
- Weak immune system.
- Skin injury.
- Exposure to certain allergens.
contact dermatitis
This type of irritation occurs when the skin comes into contact with certain irritating chemicals, such as perfumes, jewelry, some metals, and detergents.
seborrheic atopic dermatitis
This type of inflammation is caused by a fungal infection that thrives in the body's fat cells.
2- Risk factors for dermatitis
Risk factors for dermatitis include:
- Dermatitis can occur at any age, but it is most common in childhood.
- Allergies and Asthma: Individuals with allergies or asthma are at increased risk of developing skin infections.
- Work environment: Individuals who are frequently exposed to chemicals are at increased risk of developing skin infections.
Complications of dermatitis
Dermatitis can lead to a variety of problems, including:
- Skin ulceration.
- Spread of skin infection.
- Severe itching causes skin patches to form.
- Diagnosis of dermatitis
- The type, size, color, and location of the rash on the skin contribute to an effective diagnosis.
- Sometimes, the disease is identified through a patch test, which involves placing a patch containing a combination of ingredients on the patient's skin and then examining the skin's reactions.
Skin treatment methods
Treatment for dermatitis varies depending on the severity of the patient's disease and may include the following:
- Inflammation can be reduced by applying corticosteroid moisturizers to the affected skin.
- Use of immunosuppressive creams such as Calcineurin.
- Allow a small amount of natural or artificial light to reach the affected area.
- Oral corticosteroids are used to treat serious infections.
Prevent dermatitis
Dermatitis can be avoided by following these steps:
- Moisturizing the skin: Regular use of a moisturizer may help improve the health of your skin.
- Use anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications for itching: Hydrocortisone cream can help patients with their symptoms, and oral antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine, may help relieve itching. These types of products are available without a prescription.
- Wear cool, wet clothes: This helps to soothe the skin.
- Take a warm, relaxing bath: Sprinkle baking soda or coarsely ground oatmeal into your bath water before showering (colloidal oatmeal). Then, while your body is still damp, soak it in the water for 5 to 10 minutes, pat it dry, and apply an unscented moisturizer. A lotion containing 12% ammonium lactate or 10% alpha hydroxy acid helps improve dry, flaky skin.
- Medicated shampoo is used: Use an over-the-counter shampoo containing selenium sulfide, zinc pyrithione, coal tar, or ketoconazole to treat dandruff.
- Use a diluted bleach bath: This may benefit individuals with atopic dermatitis (eczema) by reducing germs on the skin to create D1,995/5,000.
To make a diluted bleach bath
- Pour 12 cups (about 118 milliliters) of household bleach, undiluted bleach powder, into a 40-gallon (about 151-liter) bathtub filled with hot water.
- Soak for five to ten minutes, then rinse well before gently drying.
- Repeat this procedure two to three times a week.
- This has been successful for many individuals by substituting a diluted vinegar bath for a bleach bath with 1 cup (about 236 ml) of vinegar in a bathtub of warm water.
- Refrain from rubbing and scraping: If you are unable to stop yourself from scratching, cover the scratched area with a bandage and at night, trim your nails and wear gloves.
- Use a mild laundry detergent: Wash clothes, sheets, and towels with mild, unscented laundry detergents, as they come into contact with the skin.
- Avoid known irritants and allergens: Try to detect and eliminate allergens and other irritants in the environment. Avoid wearing rough clothing.
- Stress management: Psychological stress can trigger certain types of dermatitis. As a result, you should consider incorporating stress management techniques such as relaxation and biofeedback exercises into your routine.
Complementary and alternative medicine
Many alternative treatments, including those listed below, have proven helpful for some individuals with dermatitis. However, data supporting the effectiveness of these treatments is scarce, and sometimes herbal and traditional medicines may irritate the skin or cause an allergic reaction.
- Vitamin D and Probiotics as Supplements for Atopic Dermatitis
- For atopic dermatitis, rice bran broth (applied to the skin)
- Tea Tree Oil 5% Aloe Vera Shampoo for Seborrheic Dermatitis
- Chinese herbal medicine
If you are considering nutritional supplements or other alternative treatments, discuss the benefits and drawbacks with your doctor.