Back Dermatological Conditons

Dermatitis 皮膚炎

Dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin. The word "dermatitis" is used to describe a number of different skin rashes that are caused by infections, allergies, and irritating substances. The rashes range from mild to severe and can cause the following skin conditions, depending on their cause:

• Itchiness
• Painful ulcers
• Reddening
• Thickening
• Swelling
• Marking
• Crusting
• Scaling
• Creasing
• Blisters

This article will describe contact and atopic dermatitis, two common types of dermatitis.

What is contact dermatitis?

Contact dermatitis occurs when the skin comes in contact with a substance that causes an allergic reaction (allergic contact dermatitis) or when there is an injury to the skin's surface (irritant contact dermatitis).

Skin can become allergic to a substance after many exposures or after just one exposure. (Most people will have an allergic reaction to poison ivy after one exposure, for instance.) Common sources of allergic contact dermatitis include cosmetics, rubber, nickel, and other metals.

Substances that can irritate the skin include detergents, soaps, cleaners, waxes, and chemicals. These substances can wear down the oily, protective layer on the skin’s surface and lead to irritant contact dermatitis. This condition is most common among people who regularly work with strong chemicals, such as restaurant, maintenance, and chemical workers.

What are the symptoms of contact dermatitis?

Allergic contact dermatitis:

• Skin reddening
• Blisters that ooze (Fluid from blisters is not contagious. It will not spread the skin rash to other parts of the body or to other people.)
• Itching which can become intense
• Swelling in eyes, face, and genital areas (severe cases)

Irritant contact dermatitis:

• Mild swelling
• Stiff, tight-feeling skin
• Dry, cracking skin
• Blisters
• Painful ulcers

Symptoms vary, depending on the cause of dermatitis.

How is contact dermatitis treated?

The form of treatment will depend on the cause of your dermatitis. Common treatments include:

• Cortisone-type creams (In severe cases, these drugs may be given by mouth.)
• Antihistamines (a medicine to relieve itching)
• Dry skin (lotions and creams)
• Oatmeal baths (to relieve itching)

How can I prevent contact dermatitis?

For allergic contact dermatitis:

• Avoid contact with substances that cause the skin rash.
• Wash any area that comes into contact with allergic substances.
• Learn to recognize poison oak and poison ivy plants.

For irritant contact dermatitis:

• Wear cotton gloves under rubber gloves for all wet work. You can also use petroleum jelly to protect your skin. Reapply the petroleum jelly two or three times a day and after washing your hands.
• Avoid contact with substances that irritate your skin.
• Use mild soaps.
• Use hand creams and lotions frequently.