Dermatitis is a catch-all term that describes a variety of conditions related to skin inflammation. As a result, the skin can feel sensitive, itchy or even painful. Dermatitis symptoms vary by patient, along with the cause of the condition. However, any skin inflammation and resulting symptoms deserve to be treated to the best of a doctor’s ability.
If you are experiencing skin problems, keep reading. Learn about the different types of dermatitis and how they present on the body. This can help you and your doctor get a clear diagnosis so you can develop a course of treatment to relieve your discomfort.
Atopic dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis is a type of eczema. (Eczema describes a large group of skin issues.) This is a condition where the skin gets dry and scaly and is potentially sensitive to the touch. People with light skin might develop red rashes, while people with darker skin might develop purple and gray rashes. Patients might notice flare-ups of atopic dermatitis in between periods of clear, healthy skin.
This condition is common in children, with 90% of patients who have atopic dermatitis developing it before the age of five. Flare-ups can continue into adulthood. There are multiple causes of atopic dermatitis, ranging from food sensitivities to irritants impacting the skin. However, this condition is not contagious.
There are multiple treatments for atopic dermatitis. These include oral steroids or steroid creams. There are also antibiotics, antifungals and antivirals available depending on what your doctor thinks the root cause is.
Contact dermatitis
Contact dermatitis occurs when you touch something that reacts negatively with your skin. For example, if you are allergic to peanuts and you get peanut butter on your hand, it could form a painful rash and temporary dermatitis. Symptoms will vary by person, but you might experience itchy skin, red or sensitive skin, a rash, and even hives near the affected area.
People of all ages, genders, races, and backgrounds can experience contact dermatitis. However, the triggers and severity of the reactions may vary. For treatment, the first step is to learn what caused the rash. This can prevent it from getting worse through additional contact. Then consider whether you need to see a doctor for contact dermatitis or if the inflammation will fade within a short period.
Dyshidrotic dermatitis
Dyshidrotic dermatitis occurs when small blisters form on your toes, feet, and hands. This is another form of eczema that can form and fade throughout your life. You might have clear hands for several months and then experience an unexpected flare-up.
Dyshidrotic dermatitis is challenging because there is no known cause for this condition. Researchers know that it is common in people between the ages of 20 to 40 and know that there are certain correlations (like nickel) that cause triggers; however, they can’t pin down the exact cause.
If you experience dyshidrotic dermatitis, try to understand what causes your flare-ups. It could be an ingredient in your laundry detergent or the result of work and school stress. Even excess sweating has been a known trigger for some people. If you can identify your personal triggers, you may reduce the number of flare-ups you experience each year.
Seborrheic dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis usually forms on oily areas of the body — particularly on the scalp and face. If you experience irritation near your hairline, it could be seborrheic dermatitis.
This condition is common in babies and is called a “cradle cap.” This is because it usually develops on the scalp, though it can form anywhere there are folds. In babies, seborrheic dermatitis will usually go away on its own.
For adults, seborrheic dermatitis might be more painful. Many adults also don’t want a large rash around their face. (It doesn’t help emotionally that flare-ups are common when people with seborrheic dermatitis are stressed.) A doctor can prescribe a cream or medication to lessen the symptoms, which might make them less painful and less noticeable to others until the flare-up has passed.
Neurodermatitis
Neurodermatitis is also known as lichen simplex chronicus and occurs in about 12% of the population. It is a skin condition where you feel itchy and your skin feels irritated, which creates a cyclical effect. You scratch an itch, which irritates the skin and makes it feel itchy again a few minutes later.
Some researchers are working to better understand neurodermatitis — particularly its correlation to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and various anxiety disorders. Many conditions are exacerbated by stress, and doctors are working to see if there is a connection between dermatitis and anxiety. You might scratch an itch as a stress reaction and then begin to stress out over how itchy you feel.
Stasis dermatitis
Stasis dermatitis is a condition that develops as you age. It is caused by poor circulation which makes blood pool in the legs and lower extremities. If you experience stasis dermatitis, your doctor might also refer to it as gravitational dermatitis or venous eczema.
This condition starts with discoloration in the skin around the legs. The skin can also appear thin or start to crack. As stasis dermatitis advances, patients might notice swelling of the legs, pain when standing or walking, or skin ulcers that develop over time.
If your doctor diagnoses this condition through a skin exam, they might recommend a multi-faceted course of treatment which includes elevating the legs, wearing compression socks, and changing your diet to reduce your salt intake. They might also recommend a topical corticosteroid cream.
How to find relief from dermatitis symptoms
It is normal to feel scared and overwhelmed the first time you notice dermatitis symptoms. In some cases (like contact dermatitis) the condition might go away on its own.
However, if you experience uncomfortable flare-ups or severe reactions, consider talking to your primary care doctor. If your dermatitis is severe or spreading quickly, visit your local urgent care center immediately. The primary care doctor or urgent care medical professional will either develop a course of treatment or recommend a trusted dermatologist who can help.
There are multiple reasons to see a dermatologist if you experience dermatitis in any form. Not only will these specialists be able to diagnose the specific type that you have, but they can give you the tools to treat flare-ups and identify their causes. You can eventually learn to prevent and manage your dermatitis on your own.
Before your dermatologist appointment, document any symptoms you have and any potential causes. Your doctor will ask about your stress levels, diet, and even the shampoo and soaps you use. The more details you have, the more confident they will feel in their diagnosis.
You don’t have to stress over dermatitis. In fact, stress might make things worse. Instead, learn more about your condition, how to treat it and how to prevent flare-ups. This will empower you to take your health into your own hands.