Dermatitis is a general term that describes an inflammation of the skin.
Each type of dermatitis may look a little different and may tend to occur on different parts of your body. The most common types of dermatitis include:
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 rash may burn, sting or itch. Blisters may develop.
Allergic contact dermatitis. is an itchy skin condition caused by an allergic reaction to material (the allergen) in contact with the skin. It arises some hours after contact with the responsible material, and settles down over some days providing the skin is no longer in contact with it. In severe cases contact allergic dermatitis may be followed by generalized autoeczematisation (id reaction). Ingestion of a contact allergen is usually safe, but rarely may lead to baboon syndrome or generalised systemic contact dermatitis.
Seborrheic dermatitis. This condition causes a red rash with yellowish and somewhat “oily” scales, usually on the scalp and sometimes on the face, especially around the ears and nose. It’s a common cause of dandruff. In infants, this disorder is known as cradle cap.
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.
Treatment
Dermatitis treatment varies, depending on the cause. Using corticosteroid creams, applying wet compresses and avoiding irritants are the cornerstones of most dermatitis treatment plans. Light therapy, which involves exposing your skin to controlled amounts of natural or artificial light, also may be used in some cases.
Your doctor may diagnose dermatitis after talking to you about your signs and symptoms and examining your skin.
