Dermatitis

What is dermatitis?

Dermatitis is a general term for inflammation of your skin. It’s an umbrella term for a number of more specific skin conditions that typically cause a rash, itching, or burning.

What are the types of dermatitis?

There are several types of dermatitis that are categorized according to their cause. These include:

Allergic contact dermatitis

When your skin comes in direct contact with a substance (called an allergen) that causes an allergic reaction. Common causes of allergic contact dermatitis are lotions, soaps, chemicals, and poison ivy.

Atopic dermatitis

Dry, itchy, inflamed skin due to a chronic immune disorder and skin condition called eczema. 

Seborrheic dermatitis

Hereditary oily, yellow patches on your scalp that flake and create dandruff can also be triggered by stress or irregular hair washing.

Dyshidrotic dermatitis

Scaling, redness, and profound blistering on your hands and feet. Dyshidrotic dermatitis runs in families but is also associated with sweating, stress, and seasonal allergies.

Neurodermatitis

When patches of your skin turn leathery and tough you may have a condition known as lichen simplex chronicus, or neurodermatitis. Trauma to the skin, excessive itching and scratching, or obsessive-compulsive disorder are linked to the condition.

What are the symptoms of eczema?

Eczema strikes each person differently. Symptoms vary, but usually include skin that is:

• Red and inflamed
• Dry and scaly
• Oozing, crusting, and flaking
• Itching
• Swelling

Other telltale signs of eczema include leathery, scaly patches that won’t go away with lotions or creams. 

What treatment options are available for dermatitis?

The diligent dermatologists at CSC Steil Dermatology are passionate about finding the underlying cause of your skin condition. Whether it’s an allergy, stress, or a genetic cause, your dermatologist wants to put an end to the problem rather than just addressing the symptoms.

After a comprehensive diagnostic process, which includes a thorough physical examination, patch testing, and possibly some lab work, your custom treatment plan may include:

• Non-steroidal topical creams
• Antihistamine medications
• Medicated shampoos
• Calcineurin inhibitors
• Phototherapy

If your dermatitis is triggered by contact with a specific substance, allergen avoidance is the prescribed preventive treatment.

Dermatitis is a treatable condition, so don’t suffer in silence. Call the team at CSC Steil Dermatology.