Dermatitis – Types And Prevention

Dermatitis means inflammation of the skin. It is a wide term, which in layman’s language is the other term for eczema. It is one of the most common disorders observed by the dermatologists.

Types

An infective pus-forming organism causes infectious eczematoid dermatitis, commonly known as infective eczema. The patient develops lesions, which are itchy, overgrowing and scaly. Cleaning the infected part daily helps in minimizing the condition.

Contact dermatitis is developed through an allergic reaction to the locally applied substances (like cosmetics, hair dye, hair oil, toothpaste, nail polish, lipstick, clothes, shoe leather, socks, wristwatch and various items of jewellery). Patch test is done to confirm the allergic agent. This is usually treated by local application of different drugs (antifungal and antibiotics).

Atopic dermatitis is the inherited variety of dermatitis. It is associated with other components of allergy like asthma, urticaria or hay fever. Itching is a persistent symptom in this.

If atopic dermatitis is present in infants then it is called infantile dermatitis, which occurs at around 2-6 months of age and may continue till the age of 2 years. Several indurated, raised, itchy lesions appear, especially on the cheeks. These lesions become crusty later. These patients are also prone to other infections like warts, herpes simplex etc. Medications as well as hygiene play a role in treating it.

Herpetiformis dermatitis manifests as symmetrical multiple lesions with an erythematous base, containing fluid or pus in it. It is a very itchy condition. This disease is common in adults and middle age people, but may also occur in children between the ages of 5-10 years. This variant of dermatitis has tendency for remission and relapse at variable intervals. Treatment includes gluten free diet along with medications.

General Prevention

Dermatitis patients should bath daily with mild cleansers. Oil application should be stopped even on very dry skin conditions. Exact cause for occurrence of such condition must be found and treated.