Dermatitis is a general term for conditions that cause inflammation of the skin. It can lead to itching, redness, dryness, swelling, scaling or a visible rash. Some forms of dermatitis develop suddenly and resolve quickly, while others are chronic conditions that may improve and return over time.
Dermatitis is not contagious, but its symptoms can be uncomfortable and may interfere with sleep, work or everyday activities. Identifying the type of dermatitis and what may be triggering it is an important part of finding effective treatment.
What are the symptoms of dermatitis?
The appearance and severity of dermatitis can vary depending on the type of condition, the affected area and a person’s skin tone.
Common symptoms may include:
- Dry, rough or sensitive skin
- Itching, burning or tenderness
- Red, purple, brown or gray areas of inflammation
- Swelling or small raised bumps
- Flaking, scaling or crusting
- Blisters that may ooze or weep
- Cracked or bleeding skin
- Thickened skin caused by repeated scratching
Scratching may worsen the irritation and damage the skin’s protective barrier, increasing the risk of infection.
What are the different types of dermatitis?
Several skin conditions fall under the broader category of dermatitis.
- Atopic dermatitis: Often called eczema, atopic dermatitis is a chronic condition that causes dry, itchy, inflamed skin. It frequently begins during childhood but can develop at any age.
- Allergic contact dermatitis: This occurs when the immune system reacts to a substance that touches the skin, such as fragrances, metals, preservatives, adhesives or certain plants.
- Irritant contact dermatitis: This form develops when repeated exposure to water, soaps, cleaning products, chemicals or other irritating substances damages the skin.
- Seborrheic dermatitis: This condition causes greasy or flaky scales in areas with more oil-producing glands, such as the scalp, eyebrows, sides of the nose, ears and chest.
- Stasis dermatitis: This develops when poor circulation in the lower legs causes swelling, inflammation, discoloration, itching or scaling.
Because different types of dermatitis can look similar, a dermatology evaluation may be needed to determine the underlying cause.
What causes dermatitis?
Dermatitis may be caused by a combination of genetics, immune system activity, environmental exposure, allergies, irritation and a weakened skin barrier.
Possible triggers include:
- Fragranced soaps and skin care products
- Household cleaners and chemicals
- Metals such as nickel
- Poison ivy or other plants
- Frequent handwashing or prolonged water exposure
- Heat, sweating or cold and dry weather
- Stress
- Certain fabrics
- Personal care or hair products
- Poor circulation in the legs
Triggers differ from person to person. Keeping track of when and where a rash appears may help identify products, activities or environmental factors that contribute to flare-ups.
How is dermatitis diagnosed?
Your dermatology provider will examine the affected skin and ask about your symptoms, medical history, work environment, skin care routine and possible exposures.
In some cases, patch testing may be recommended to identify substances causing allergic contact dermatitis. Additional testing or a small skin biopsy may be performed when another skin condition needs to be ruled out.
How is dermatitis treated?
Treatment depends on the type, location, severity and underlying cause of the dermatitis. The goals are to calm inflammation, relieve itching, repair the skin barrier, prevent infection and reduce future flare-ups.
Treatment may include:
- Fragrance-free moisturizers, creams or ointments
- Prescription topical corticosteroids
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory creams or ointments
- Avoidance of known allergens or irritants
- Medicated shampoos or antifungal treatments
- Wet wraps or cool compresses
- Phototherapy
- Oral or injectable medications for more persistent cases
- Compression and circulation management for stasis dermatitis
Your provider may also recommend changes to your bathing, moisturizing or skin care routine. Treatment should be personalized because products that help one type of dermatitis may irritate another.
When should dermatitis be evaluated?
Schedule an evaluation if a rash is persistent, repeatedly returns, spreads, becomes painful, interferes with sleep or does not improve with gentle skin care.
Seek prompt medical attention if the skin develops increasing warmth, swelling, drainage, pus, yellow crusting, rapidly spreading redness or other possible signs of infection.
Schedule a dermatitis consultation
Dermatitis can have many possible causes and determining the type of rash is essential for choosing the right treatment. The Dermatology Clinic can evaluate your symptoms, help identify potential triggers and develop a personalized plan to restore healthier, more comfortable skin. Contact us today to get scheduled.
