Dermatitis

What is dermatitis? 
Dermatitis is a broad diagnosis for skin irritation or inflammation. It can be present as a dry, red, and itchy rash sometimes with swelling, blisters, or oozing. Dermatitis can be severely uncomfortable and painful, so you are encouraged to seek treatment with your dermatologist if experiencing symptoms. Dermatitis is not contagious.

What are common types of dermatitis?

• Atopic Dermatitis (eczema): Eczema can be experienced as early as infancy and is observed as blotches of small red bumps along creases of the skin: elbows, behind the knees, and the neck.
• Contact Dermatitis: An uncomfortably itchy, red rash that is observed as an effect to direct contact with irritant substances.
• Seborrheic Dermatitis: Associated with scaly, red skin and difficult to treat dandruff. It appears on oily, hair-bearing areas of skin such as the scalp, face, back, and upper chest.
• Follicular Eczema: Bumps develop within hair follicles leading to a raised and thickened appearance of the affected skin. Follicular eczema is more common in those with darker complexions.
• Diaper rash: Presents itself most often on babies but can also be observed on anyone wearing a diaper. Appears as patches of red inflamed skin on the thighs, genitals, or buttocks.
• Cradle Cap: Seborrheic dermatitis in infants that appears as crusty and sebaceous (oily) patches on the scalp.

How is it diagnosed?
Most of the time your dermatologist will be able to identify dermatitis simply through examining the affected area and asking you questions about your symptoms. In some cases, to further confirm the diagnosis, your dermatologist might take a sample of the skin to send to a dermatopathologist for histological analysis. Your dermatologist might also refer you to an allergist for patch testing.

How can I treat this?

• Topical steroids: Corticosteroid creams and ointments have anti-inflammatory properties and can suppress the immune response to irritants.
• Phototherapy: This procedure consists of exposing the affected area of skin to ultraviolet (UV) light. The light counters inflammation and increases cell division to allow faster generation of healthy skin.
• Oral Medications: Oral antibiotics to battle infection caused by bacteria and antihistamines to aid in relieving itch can be prescribed in severe cases to overcome inflammation.

What can I do at home?

• Use a thick moisturizing cream
• Hydrocortisone cream: This is a temporary measure to relieve redness and itching
• Wear cotton clothing: Cotton is gentle on the skin and will prevent further irritation of the affected area. Avoid direct contact of the irritated site with harsh materials (i.e. wool)
• Take an oatmeal bath
• If you have symptoms of a skin rash and want to discuss treatments, our dermatologists can evaluate your skin and recommend the best treatments for you.