Dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin characterized by itching, redness, blistering and scaling, which can occur on different parts of the body and at any age.
This skin disease can occur as a result of contact with substances that cause an allergy or as a side effect of treatment. In addition, it can occur due to poor local blood circulation or very dry skin.
Treatment for dermatitis is carried out by a general practitioner or dermatologist and varies depending on the type of dermatitis. However, it is mainly based on the use of specific creams and ointments and the taking of antihistamines and corticosteroids as well as suitable shampoos.
Types and symptoms of dermatitis
Depending on the type of condition, dermatitis can present different symptoms:
1. Atopic dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis is a chronic disease that occurs in flare-ups and is most common in babies and children up to 5 years of age. It is characterized by red and/or grayish lesions that cause itching and peeling of the skin. Symptoms occur mainly behind the knees, neck, groin, elbows and arm creases. Learn more about atopic dermatitis.
The causes of atopic dermatitis are not yet known, however, it is usually seen in people with a family history of the condition or suffering from asthma or allergic rhinitis.
2. Contact dermatitis
Contact dermatitis, which includes allergic contact dermatitis and irritant contact dermatitis, causes blistering, itching, and redness on any part of the body, including the ears, face, scalp, eyelids, neck, armpits, and hands.
Contact dermatitis can be caused by contact with irritating substances or objects such as nickel, cosmetics, perfumes, dust, soaps, detergents or latex, for example.
3. Seborrheic dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis particularly affects the scalp and oily areas of the skin, such as the sides of the nose, face, ears, beard, eyelids and chest, causing redness, red patches covered with white flakes and peeling of the skin on oily areas of the skin. Learn more about seborrheic dermatitis.
The exact cause of this type of dermatitis is unknown, but it is thought to be linked to the fungus Malassezianaturally present on the skin, but which can be in excess in some people due to family history, stress and the presence of other skin diseases such as rosacea, psoriasis and acne.
4. Perioral dermatitis
This type of dermatitis is characterized by a rash of red papules, itching and a burning sensation, mainly around the mouth and on the chin, although it can also affect the eyelids, cheeks, eye area and nose. Its symptoms can be confused with acne or rosacea.
The cause of this condition is not yet known, however, researchers believe that it is associated with situations such as the use of creams and sprays containing corticosteroids and changes in the skin flora. In addition, perioral dermatitis is more common in women aged 20 to 45 years.
5. Stasis dermatitis
Stasis dermatitis usually occurs in people with venous insufficiency, which is when blood has difficulty returning to the heart and pools in the legs.
The main symptoms of this dermatitis are swelling and purplish or brown discoloration of the legs and ankles, itching, and sores that may contain pus and crusts.
6. Dermatitis herpetiformis
Dermatitis herpetiformis is an autoimmune disease caused by gluten intolerance, which causes symptoms such as small red blisters that burn and itch.
This type of dermatitis most commonly affects the scalp, shoulders, buttocks, elbows and knees.
7. Diaper dermatitis
Also known as diaper rash, diaper dermatitis is characterized by blisters, redness, and scaling on a child’s groin, thighs, scrotum, or buttocks.
This type of dermatitis can be caused by moisture, allergies, rubbing of the baby’s skin with the diaper or prolonged contact with feces or urine, for example.
8. Dermatite exfoliative
Exfoliative dermatitis is a severe inflammation of the skin that causes peeling, red patches on the chest, arms, feet or legs, hair loss in the affected areas, brittle nails and a fever above 38ºC.
This type of dermatitis is usually caused by other skin problems such as psoriasis or eczema, but it can also be caused by the overuse of medications such as antibiotics, antiepileptics, lithium and allopurinol, for example.
9. Nummular dermatitis
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This type of dermatitis is characterized by red, pink or brown patches, rather rounded, which burn or itch and turn into blisters and crusts. Nummular dermatitis usually appears on the arms, legs, hands or trunk.
Although the cause of this type of dermatitis is not yet known, researchers believe it is due to factors such as allergies, bacterial infections, extremely dry skin, hot baths, and the use of soaps and other products that dry out the skin.
Online Symptom Test
To find out your chances of suffering from dermatitis, please select the symptoms you have:
However, it is important to emphasize that this test serves only as a guidance tool and is in no way intended to establish a diagnosis or replace a medical consultation.
How to confirm the diagnosis
The diagnosis of dermatitis is made by a general practitioner or dermatologist based on the physical examination and the person’s family and medical history.
If suspected, a skin biopsy, a skin allergy test and a blood test can be performed to assess thyroid function and the dosage of IgE, a protein which, in high concentrations, is linked to allergies.
Main causes
The main causes of dermatitis are:
- Allergy to pollen, cosmetics, latex or insect bites;
- Side effects of certain medications;
- Exposure to cigarette smoke or pollution;
- Hot baths;
- Contact with synthetic fabrics;
- Irritating cleaning products such as certain detergents and disinfectants;
- Depression;
- Climatic alterations;
- Gluten intolerance;
- Use of certain irritating soaps, shampoos and perfumes;
- Genetic factors;
- Hair products containing formaldehyde or paraphenylenediamine (PPD).
Additionally, dermatitis can also be caused by poor blood circulation or repeated use of antibiotic or corticosteroid creams, ointments and sprays.
Treatment options
Treatment for dermatitis varies depending on the cause of the condition. It usually includes a suitable diet and the use of specific medications, creams and shampoos.
1. Creams or ointments
Creams and ointments containing corticosteroids or antihistamines, such as clobetasol propionate, triamcinolone, or dexamethasone, may be indicated to reduce skin inflammation and relieve symptoms of atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, dermatitis herpetiformis, and exfoliative dermatitis.
Emollient creams or creams containing urea may also be used to help treat atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, and exfoliative dermatitis.
For the treatment of diaper rash, the doctor may prescribe the use of zinc-based ointments on the affected area to protect the baby’s skin and facilitate healing.
2. Shampoos
Shampoos containing corticosteroids, such as hydrocortisone, fluocinolone, clobetasol, or desonide, are usually indicated to relieve symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis.
3. Medications
Oral corticosteroids and antihistamines may be prescribed by a doctor to reduce itching and inflammation in atopic dermatitis and contact dermatitis. Treatment for exfoliative dermatitis, on the other hand, involves administering corticosteroids directly into the vein in a hospital setting.
The doctor may also prescribe medications containing hesperidin and diosmin to treat symptoms caused by venous insufficiency in ochre dermatitis.
Additionally, the use of oral antibiotics may also be indicated in the treatment of stasis dermatitis, dermatitis herpetiformis, and perioral dermatitis.
4. Diet
To treat dermatitis herpetiformis, it is advisable to follow a gluten-free diet, excluding wheat, barley and oats from your diet. To treat atopic dermatitis, it is recommended to avoid foods that can cause allergies, such as shrimp, peanuts or milk.
5. Repos
In case of ochre dermatitis, it is recommended to rest, wear support stockings and keep the legs elevated to avoid the accumulation of blood.
Precautions during treatment
It is important to follow certain precautions throughout the treatment of dermatitis:
- Avoid contact with materials or substances that cause skin allergies;
- Do not take baths with very hot water;
- Avoid scratching the injured area;
- Use neutral soaps and detergents;
- Avoid using perfume.
It is also advisable to avoid consuming alcoholic beverages and foods rich in fats and sugars. In fact, these foods promote inflammation of the skin, which makes it difficult to heal dermatitis.
