Dermatitis
is a general term that describes an inflammation of the skin. Dermatitis can
have many causes and occurs in many forms. It usually involves an itchy rash on
swollen, reddened skin.
is a general term that describes an inflammation of the skin. Dermatitis can
have many causes and occurs in many forms. It usually involves an itchy rash on
swollen, reddened skin.
Skin affected by dermatitis may blister, ooze,
develop a crust or flake off. Examples of dermatitis include atopic dermatitis
(eczema), dandruff, and rashes.
develop a crust or flake off. Examples of dermatitis include atopic dermatitis
(eczema), dandruff, and rashes.
Causative Agent of Dermatitis
The causative agent
may be a bacterium, fungus, or parasite.
may be a bacterium, fungus, or parasite.
Clinical Features of Dermatitis
Clinical
features of different forms dermatitis may look a little different and may tend
to occur on different parts of your body. The most common types of dermatitis
and their clinical features include:
features of different forms dermatitis may look a little different and may tend
to occur on different parts of your body. The most common types of dermatitis
and their clinical features include:
·
Atopic dermatitis (eczema):
Usually beginning in infancy, this red, itchy rash
most commonly occurs where the skin flexes — inside the elbows, behind the
knees and the front of the neck. When scratched, the rash can leak fluid and
crust over. People with atopic dermatitis may experience improvement and then
flare-ups.
Atopic dermatitis (eczema):
Usually beginning in infancy, this red, itchy rash
most commonly occurs where the skin flexes — inside the elbows, behind the
knees and the front of the neck. When scratched, the rash can leak fluid and
crust over. People with atopic dermatitis may experience improvement and then
flare-ups.
·
Contact dermatitis: This rash occurs on areas of the body that have come
into contact with substances that either irritate the skin or cause an allergic
reaction, such as poison ivy. The red rash may burn, sting or itch. Blisters
may develop.
Contact dermatitis: This rash occurs on areas of the body that have come
into contact with substances that either irritate the skin or cause an allergic
reaction, such as poison ivy. The red rash may burn, sting or itch. Blisters
may develop.
·
Seborrheic dermatitis: This condition causes scaly patches, red skin and
stubborn dandruff. It usually affects oily areas of the body, such as the face,
upper chest and back. It can be a long-term condition with periods of remission
and flare-ups. In infants, this disorder is known as cradle cap.
Seborrheic dermatitis: This condition causes scaly patches, red skin and
stubborn dandruff. It usually affects oily areas of the body, such as the face,
upper chest and back. It can be a long-term condition with periods of remission
and flare-ups. In infants, this disorder is known as cradle cap.
Incubation Period of Dermatitis
Incubation period for
dermatitis ranged from 14 hours to 14 days.
dermatitis ranged from 14 hours to 14 days.
Diagnosis of Dermatitis
Patch
testing: Patch testing is conducted on
the skin by applying small amounts of various substances to the skin under an
adhesive covering.
testing: Patch testing is conducted on
the skin by applying small amounts of various substances to the skin under an
adhesive covering.
Prevention/Control of Dermatitis
Avoiding dry skin may be
one factor to prevent dermatitis. These tips can help you minimize the drying
effects of bathing on your skin
one factor to prevent dermatitis. These tips can help you minimize the drying
effects of bathing on your skin
·
Take shorter baths or
showers: Limit your baths and
showers to 10 to 15 minutes. And use warm, rather than hot, water. Bath oil
also may be helpful.
Take shorter baths or
showers: Limit your baths and
showers to 10 to 15 minutes. And use warm, rather than hot, water. Bath oil
also may be helpful.
·
Use nonsoap cleansers or
gentle soaps: Choose fragrance-free
nonsoap cleansers or mild soaps. Some soaps can dry your skin.
Use nonsoap cleansers or
gentle soaps: Choose fragrance-free
nonsoap cleansers or mild soaps. Some soaps can dry your skin.
·
Dry yourself carefully: After bathing, brush your skin rapidly with the palms
of your hands, or gently pat your skin dry with a soft towel.
Dry yourself carefully: After bathing, brush your skin rapidly with the palms
of your hands, or gently pat your skin dry with a soft towel.
·
Moisturize your skin: While your skin is still damp, seal in moisture with
an oil or cream. Try different products to find one that works for you.
Ideally, the best one for you will be safe, effective, affordable and
unscented.
Moisturize your skin: While your skin is still damp, seal in moisture with
an oil or cream. Try different products to find one that works for you.
Ideally, the best one for you will be safe, effective, affordable and
unscented.