Skin Disorders and Treatment

Acrochordons
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Dermatitis
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Eczema
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Tinea Versicolor
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Vulvodynia
Xerosis

Dermatitis

Dermatitis is also called eczema; it is an inflammation of the skin. Dermatitis can occur on any part of the body, but it mostly affects the hands, feet, and groin. The terms dermatitis and eczema are often used interchangeably. In some cases the term eczematous dermatitis is used. Dermatitis can be acute or chronic or both. Dermatitis is a common condition that isn't life-threatening or contagious. But, it can make you feel uncomfortable and self-conscious. A combination of self-care steps and medications can help you treat dermatitis. Since many things can irritate the skin, a doctor will try to narrow the diagnosis to a specific category of dermatitis, even though treatment is similar for most types of skin irritation and inflammation. There are various types of dermatitis:

Contact dermatitis is an allergic reaction to something that irritates the skin and is manifested by one or more lines of red, swollen, blistered skin that may itch or seep. It usually appears within 48 hours after touching or brushing against a substance to which the skin is sensitive. The condition is more common in adults than in children. Stasis dermatitis is characterized by scaly, greasy looking skin on the lower legs and around the ankles. Stasis dermatitis is most apt to affect the inner side of the calf. Nummular dermatitis, which is also called nummular eczematous dermatitis or nummular eczema, generally affects the hands, arms, legs, and buttocks of men and women older than 55 years of age. This stubborn inflamed rash forms circular, sometimes itchy, patches and is characterized by flares and periods of inactivity. Atopic dermatitis is characterized by itching, scaling, swelling, and sometimes blistering. In early childhood it is called infantile eczema and is characterized by redness, oozing, and crusting. It is usually found on the face, inside the elbows, and behind the knees. Seborrheic dermatitis may be dry or moist and is characterized by greasy scales and yellowish crusts on the scalp, eyelids, face, external surfaces of the ears, underarms, breasts, and groin. In infants it is called "cradle cap."

Dermatitis Causes

The causes of dermatitis depend on there types. Hand dermatitis can be caused by contact with an irritant, an allergic reaction to a substance, or an inherited condition. Irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) of the hands is most often caused by detergents, certain types of metals, soaps, strong chemicals, and solvents that, either immediately or after repeated exposure, irritate the skin. The cause of perioral dermatitis is unknnown.  But some dermatologists believe it is a form of rosacea or sunlight-worsened seborrheic dermatitis.

Dermatitis Symptoms

• A red rash is the usual reaction. It appears immediately in irritant contact dermatitis, but sometimes in allergic contact dermatitis the rash does not appear for 1-2 days after the exposure
• The itching and burn will be felt. The burn is very strong and it is sometimes looks impossible to control.
• In attempts to relieve the intolerable itching, the child rubs his head, cheeks, and other affected areas with a hand, a pillow, or anything within reach.
• you may feel Tenderness of the skin in the exposed area
• There may be some swelling and blistering. The skin may become thicker and dry and scaly if the allergen persists.

Dermatitis Treatment

Dermatitis is best treated if the type is known. However, there are measures that can be taken to improve symptoms even if the exact dermatitis type is not known.

• Keep skin as moisturized as possible as dry skin causes cracks in the outer layer inhibiting the barrier function of the skin.
• Reduce itching and scratching with topical medications or antihistamines.
• Avoid irritating and drying substances such as perfumes or harsh detergents.
• Treat other rashes, especially fungal infections, even though they may not seem related.
• Topical steroids : apply a topical steroid cream or ointment to the itchy patches for a 5 to 15 day course. A suitable one will be prescribed by your doctor or dermatologist. Make sure you understand when and where to apply it, and how often you may repeat the course. Steroids should usually be applied once or twice daily to the red and itchy areas only. Sometimes two or more topical steroids will be supplied, either for different parts of the body, or for differing grades of dermatitis.
• Patients who have a history of dermatitis should remove their rings before washing their hands. They should use bath oils or glycerine-based soaps and bathe in lukewarm saltwater.

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