Dermatitis
What is Dermatitis?
Dermatitis is an umbrella term for a group of conditions that cause inflammation of the skin. It often leads to red, itchy, and swollen areas of skin. Dermatitis can result from various causes, including allergies, irritants, infections, and genetic factors. The condition can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term).
Symptoms of Dermatitis
The symptoms of dermatitis vary depending on the type, but common signs include:
- Itching (pruritus) – Often the most bothersome symptom.
- Redness and inflammation – The affected area appears inflamed, with a reddish tint.
- Dry, flaky, or scaly skin – The skin may become rough and cracked.
- Blisters or oozing – In some types of dermatitis, blisters or sores may develop and release fluid.
- Thickened skin – In chronic cases, the skin may thicken over time due to repeated scratching or irritation.
- Burning or stinging sensations – Sometimes the skin feels sensitive or painful.
Types of Dermatitis
- Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema) – A chronic condition often seen in children, associated with allergies or asthma.
- Contact Dermatitis – Caused by exposure to allergens or irritants like certain chemicals or plants (e.g., poison ivy).
- Perioral Dermatitis – A common inflammatory skin condition characterized by a red, bumpy rash that develops around the mouth, nose, and sometimes the eyes.
- Seborrheic Dermatitis – Commonly affects areas with a lot of oil-producing glands, like the scalp, face, and chest.
- Nummular Dermatitis – Characterized by round, coin-shaped patches of irritated skin.
- Stasis Dermatitis – Often linked to poor circulation, leading to swelling and irritation, particularly in the legs.
Treatment for Dermatitis
The treatment depends on the type and severity of dermatitis, but it typically includes:
Topical treatments:
- Steroid creams (e.g., hydrocortisone) – To reduce inflammation and itching.
- Topical calcineurin inhibitors (e.g., tacrolimus, pimecrolimus) – Used for eczema when steroids are not suitable.
- Moisturizers – To prevent dryness and keep the skin hydrated.
- Newer Topical steroid-free creams – roflumilast (Zoryve) cream, tapinarof (Vtama) cream and ruxolitinib (Opzelura) cream. Also used when steroids are not suitable.
Oral medications:
- Oral antihistamines – For severe itching.
- Oral corticosteroids – Used in severe cases for short-term relief of inflammation.
- Antibiotics– If a bacterial infection develops in the affected skin.
Avoiding triggers:
- Identify and avoid irritants or allergens that may trigger dermatitis outbreaks (e.g., harsh soaps, certain fabrics, allergens like pet dander).
- Managing stress or environmental factors that could worsen the condition.
Phototherapy (Light therapy) – For more severe or chronic cases, ultraviolet (UV) light exposure under medical supervision may help.
Biologic treatments – For moderate-to-severe cases of eczema, biologic medications like dupilumab (Dupixent),tralokinumab (Adbry) or lebrikizumab (Ebglyss) may be prescribed.
Why choose Aesthetic Dermatology
- Accurate Diagnosis – Dermatitis can resemble other skin conditions, we can provide an accurate diagnosis and distinguish between types of dermatitis or other skin issues.
- Tailored Treatment Plan – We will recommend appropriate medications or therapies based on the type and severity of the dermatitis.
- Prevent Complications – We can help prevent or manage complications such as skin infections, scarring, or permanent skin damage.
- Expert Guidance – For conditions that don’t respond to over-the-counter treatments, we can guide more advanced treatments, including prescription medications, phototherapy, or biologic treatments.
- Long-Term Management – Chronic conditions like atopic dermatitis require ongoing care, and we can help manage flare-ups and advise on lifestyle modifications to reduce triggers.
If symptoms of dermatitis worsen, are persistent, or cause significant discomfort, seeing us here at Aesthetic Dermatology is the best way to receive personalized care and appropriate treatment.
Get in Touch
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