
n.
Inflammation of the skin.
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American Heritage Dictionary:
der·ma·ti·tis |
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Britannica Concise Encyclopedia:
dermatitis |
For more information on dermatitis, visit Britannica.com.
McGraw-Hill Science & Technology Encyclopedia:
Dermatitis |
Inflammation of the skin with redness and scaling, or if acute, with blisters, edema, and formation of a crust; also known as eczema. Of the several distinct types of dermatitis, each has unique etiology, clinical characteristics, pathology, and treatment.
Atopic dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis usually begins in infancy and may continue into adult life. The eruption is characterized by red patches accompanied by intense itching. The lesions often become secondarily infected, leading to moist discharge and crusting. Although any anatomic site may be affected, the classic locations in infants are the extremities, face, and scalp. In older children and adults, the inside of the elbows, the back of the knees, wrists, eyelids, and neck are most often involved.
Treatment of atopic dermatitis includes oral antihistamines, emollients, topical corticosteroids (particularly ointments), and for more severe cases, systemic corticosteroids. Avoidance of irritants (wool, chemicals, harsh soaps and detergents, perfumes), extremes in temperature and humidity, overbathing, and certain foods is imperative. Mild cleansers are preferred. See also Antihistamine; Steroid.
Contact dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is a reaction that causes acute itching, redness, swelling, large blisters, and in chronic cases, red, scaly papules (raised bumps) and plaques (abnormal flat areas). The two forms are irritant contact dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis. In irritant contact dermatitis the eruption is caused by a nonallergic reaction resulting from exposure to an irritating substance. Allergic contact dermatitis is an immunologic reaction in persons who have been previously exposed (sensitized) to the allergen. The lesions occur 24–48 h after exposure to an irritant or allergen. The key to treatment is removal of the offending agent. Antihistamines, emollients, and topical and systemic corticosteroids are helpful. See also Allergy.
Seborrheic dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis is characterized by reddish to yellow greasy scale that frequently forms on the face (eyebrows, nasolabial folds, forehead), ears, scalp, upper back, central chest, and anogential region. In contrast to atopic and contact dermatitis, itching is uncommon.
Topical corticosteroids are the mainstay of treatment for seborrheic dermatitis. In cases in which Pityrosporum ovale is involved, topical antifungal agents (such as ketoconazole cream) are useful. Topical or oral antibiotics are required in cases with secondary bacterial infection. In generalized or recurring cases, systemic corticosteroids may be necessary.
Exfoliative erythroderma
Exfoliative erythroderma is characterized by widespread, warm redness and scaling. Nail degeneration and loss, hair loss, fever, chills, and enlargement of the lymph nodes may also occur. The eruption may be due to an underlying primary skin disorder, such as dermatitis (seborrheic, contact, or atopic) or psoriasis; drug allergy; or leukemia or lymphoma, particularly cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. See also Leukemia; Lymphatic system; Lymphoma.
Individuals with exfoliative erythroderma are best managed in a hospital setting. Because heat, water, and protein losses occur through damaged skin, careful monitoring of fluid balance, protein losses, and body temperature is imperative. The application of wet dressings or topical corticosteroids and administration of oral antihistamines are important aspects of treatment. See also Infection.
Flea allergy dermatitis
Flea allergy dermatitis, sometimes called flea-bite dermatitis, affects the skin of small pets (dogs, cats, and ferrets), and results from an allergic reaction to protein substances deposited on (or under) the surface of the skin at the time of flea feeding. It is by far the most common cause of allergic dermatitis in pet animals and a major cause of itchy skin in geographic regions where fleas are found.
Oxford Food & Nutrition Dictionary:
dermatitis |
A lesion or inflammation of the skin; many nutritional deficiency diseases include more or less specific skin lesions (e.g. ariboflavinosis, kwashiorkor, pellagra, scurvy), but most cases of dermatitis are not associated with nutritional deficiency, and do not respond to nutritional supplements.
Gale Encyclopedia of Children's Health:
Dermatitis |
Definition
Dermatitis is a general term used to describe inflammation of the skin.
Description
Most types of dermatitis are characterized by an itchy pink or red rash.
Contact dermatitis is an allergic reaction to something that irritates the skin and is manifested by one or more lines of red, swollen, blistered skin that may itch or seep. It usually appears within 48 hours after touching or brushing against a substance to which the skin is sensitive. The condition is more common in adults than in children.
Contact dermatitis can occur on any part of the body, but it usually affects the hands, feet, and groin. Contact dermatitis usually does not spread from one person to another, nor does it spread beyond the area exposed to the irritant unless affected skin comes into contact with another part of the body. However, in the case of some irritants, such as poison ivy, contact dermatitis can be passed to another person or to another part of the body.
Atopic dermatitis is characterized by itching, scaling, swelling, and sometimes blistering. In early childhood it is called infantile eczema and is characterized by redness, oozing, and crusting. It is usually found on the face, inside the elbows, and behind the knees.
Seborrheic dermatitis may be dry or moist and is characterized by greasy scales and yellowish crusts on the scalp, eyelids, face, external surfaces of the ears, underarms, breasts, and groin. In infants it is called cradle cap.
Demographics
Allergic reactions are common. No formal statistics are kept on such attacks.
Causes and Symptoms
Allergic reactions are genetically determined, and different substances cause contact dermatitis to develop in different people. A reaction to resin produced by poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac is the most common source of symptoms. It is, in fact, the most common allergy in the United States, affecting one of every two people in the country.
Flowers, herbs, and vegetables can also affect the skin of some people. Burns and sunburn increase the risk of dermatitis developing. Chemical irritants that can cause the condition include:
Contact dermatitis can develop when the first contact occurs or after years of use or exposure.
Atopic dermatitis can be caused by allergies, asthma, or stress, and there seems to be a genetic predisposition for atopic conditions. It is sometimes caused by an allergy to nickel in jewelry.
Seborrheic dermatitis (for which there may also be a genetic predisposition) is usually caused by overproduction of the oil glands. In adults it can be associated with diabetes mellitus or gold allergy. In infants and adults it may be caused by a biotin deficiency.
When to Call the Doctor
A doctor or other healthcare provider should be consulted when rashes appear. With some experience, common rashes can be accurately identified by parents. Rashes that cannot be accurately identified should be referred to competent healthcare professional for identification and possible treatment.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of dermatitis is made on the basis of how the rash looks and its location. The doctor may scrape off a small piece of affected skin for microscopic examination or direct the person to discontinue use of any potential irritant that has recently come into contact with the affected area. Two weeks after the rash disappears, the person may resume use of the substances, one at a time, until the condition recurs. Eliminating the substance most recently added should eliminate the irritation.
If the origin of the irritation has still not been identified, a dermatologist may perform one or more patch tests, which involves dabbing a small amount of a suspected irritant onto skin on the person's back. If no irritation develops within a few days, another patch test is performed. The process continues until the person experiences an allergic reaction at the spot where the irritant was applied.
Treatment
Treating contact dermatitis begins with eliminating or avoiding the source of irritation. Prescription or over-the-counter corticosteroid creams can lessen inflammation and relieve irritation. Creams, lotions, or ointments not specifically formulated for dermatitis can intensify the irritation. Oral antihistamines are sometimes recommended to alleviate itching, and antibiotics are prescribed if the rash becomes infected. Medications taken by mouth to relieve symptoms of dermatitis can make skin red and scaly and cause hair loss.
People who have a history of dermatitis should remove their rings before washing their hands. They should use bath oils or glycerin-based soaps and bathe in lukewarm saltwater.
Patting rather than rubbing the skin after bathing and thoroughly massaging lubricating lotion or nonprescription cortisone creams into still-damp skin can soothe red, irritated nummular dermatitis. Highly concentrated cortisone preparations should not be applied to the face, armpits, groin, or rectal area. Periodic medical monitoring is necessary to detect side effects in people who use such preparations on rashes covering large areas of the body.
Coal-tar salves can help relieve symptoms of nummular dermatitis that have not responded to other treatments, but these ointments have an unpleasant odor and stain clothing.
Coal-tar shampoos may be used for seborrheic dermatitis that occurs on the scalp. Sun exposure after the use of these shampoos should be avoided because the risk of sunburn of the scalp is increased.
Alternative Treatment
Some herbal therapies can be useful for skin conditions. Among the herbs most often recommended are:
Contact dermatitis can be treated botanically and homeopathically. Grindelia (Grindelia spp.) and sassafras (Sassafras albidum) can help when applied topically. Determining the source of the problem and eliminating it is essential. Oatmeal baths are very helpful in relieving the itch. Bentonite clay packs or any mud-pack draws the fluid out and helps dry up the lesions. Cortisone creams are not recommended.
Selenium-based shampoos, topical applications of flax oil and/or olive oil, and biotin supplementation are among the therapies recommended for seborrheic dermatitis.
Prognosis
Dermatitis is often chronic, but symptoms can generally be controlled.
Prevention
Contact dermatitis can be prevented by avoiding the source of irritation. If the irritant cannot be avoided completely, the person should wear gloves and other protective clothing whenever exposure is likely to occur.
Immediately washing the exposed area with soap and water can stem allergic reactions to poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac, but because soaps can dry the skin, people susceptible to dermatitis should use them only on the face, feet, genitals, and underarms.
Clothing should be loose fitting and 100 percent cotton. New clothing should be washed in dye-free, unscented detergent before being worn.
Yoga and other relaxation techniques may help prevent atopic dermatitis caused by stress.
Avoidance of sweating may aid in preventing seborrheic dermatitis.
A person who has dermatitis should also notify a doctor if any of the following occurs:
Nutritional Concerns
Eating a balanced and adequate diet is generally helpful. People who are susceptible to dermatitis that is linked to particular foods obviously should avoid consuming them.
Parental Concerns
Parents should try to monitor new substances and foods when their children encounter them for the first time.
Resources
Books
Bolognia, Jean L., and Irwin M. Braverman. "Skin Manifestations of Internal Disease." In Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 15th ed. Edited by Eugene Braunwald et al. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2001, pp. 315–30.
Darmstadt, Gary L., and Robert Sidbury. "Diseases of the Dermis." In Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, 17th ed. Edited by Richard E. Behrman et al. Philadelphia: Saunders, 2003, pp. 2204–9.
——. "Eczematous Disorders." In Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, 17th ed. Edited by Richard E. Behrman et al. Philadelphia: Saunders, 2003, pp. 2188–90.
——. "Nutritional Dermatoses." In Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, 17th ed. Edited by Richard E. Behrman et al. Philadelphia: Saunders, 2003, pp. 2248–50.
Lim, Henry M. "Eczemas, Photodermatoses, Papulosquamous (including Fungal) Diseases, and Figurate Erythemas." In Cecil Textbook of Medicine, 22nd ed. Edited by Lee Goldman et al. Philadelphia: Saunders, 2003, pp. 2458–65.
Swerlick, Robert A., and Thomas J. Lawley. "Eczema, Psoriasis, Cutaneous Infections, Acne, and Other Common Skin Disorders." In Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 15th ed. Edited by Eugene Braunwald et al. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2001, pp. 309–14.
Periodicals
Capon, F., et al. "An update on the genetics of psoriasis." Dermatologic Clinics 22, no. 4 (2004): 339–47.
Johnson, S. M., et al. "Topical treatment for atopic dermatitis in the 21st century." Journal of Arkansas Medical Society 101, no. 3 (2004): 86–90.
Smith, A. "Contact dermatitis: diagnosis and management." British Journal of Community Nursing 9, no. 9 (2004): 365–71.
Ward, S. "The effective management of atopic dermatitis in school-age children." Nursing Times 100, no. 32 (2004): 55–6.
Organizations
American Academy of Dermatology. 930 N. Meacham Road, PO Box 4014, Schaumburg, IL 60168–4014. Web site: www.aad.org/.
Web Sites
"Atopic Dermatitis." National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, April 2003. Available online at www.niams.nih.gov/hi/topics/dermatitis/ (accessed January 5, 2005).
"Atopic Dermatitis (Atopic Eczema)." National Jewish Research and Medical Center. Available online at www.nationaljewish.org/medfacts/atopic.html (accessed January 5, 2005).
"Dermatitis." MedlinePlus. Available online at www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/dermatitis.html (accessed January 5, 2005).
"Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)." MedlinePlus. Available online at www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000853.htm (accessed January 5, 2005)./p
Seborrheic Dermatitis." American Academy of Family Practice, April 2004. Available online at
[Article by: L. Fleming Fallon, Jr., MD, DrPH]
Oxford Dictionary of Sports Science & Medicine:
dermatitis |
Inflammation of the skin, often accompanied by a rash. See also allergic contact dermatitis.
Columbia Encyclopedia:
dermatitis |
Dictionary of Cultural Literacy: Health:
dermatitis |
An inflammation of the skin. Itching and redness are the basic symptoms of dermatitis, which has a variety of causes, including allergies and exposure of the skin to irritants, such as chemicals or sunlight.
Saunders Veterinary Dictionary:
dermatitis |
Inflammation of the skin. Dermatitis can result from various animal, vegetable and chemical substances, from heat or cold, from mechanical irritation, from certain forms of malnutrition, or from infectious disease.
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Mosby's Dental Dictionary:
dermatitis |
Random House Word Menu:
categories related to 'dermatitis' |

Rhymes:
dermatitis |
Wikipedia on Answers.com:
Dermatitis |
| Dermatitis | |
|---|---|
| Classification and external resources | |
Dermatitis of the hand. |
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| ICD-10 | L20-L30 |
| ICD-9 | 692.9 |
| MeSH | D003872 |
Dermatitis is inflammation of the skin (i.e. rash).
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Contents
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Dermatitis derives from Greek derma "skin" + -itis "inflammation".
There are several different types of dermatitis. The different kinds usually have in common an allergic reaction to specific allergens. The term may describe eczema, which is also called dermatitis eczema and eczematous dermatitis. An eczema diagnosis often implies atopic dermatitis (which is very common in children and teenagers) but, without proper context, may refer to any kind of dermatitis.[1]
In some languages, dermatitis and eczema are synonyms, while in other languages dermatitis implies an acute condition and eczema a chronic one.[2] The two conditions are often classified together.
Types of dermatitis are classified according to the cause of the condition.
Contact dermatitis is caused by an allergen or an irritating substance. Irritant contact dermatitis accounts for 80% of all cases of contact dermatitis.[3]
Atopic dermatitis is very common worldwide and increasing in prevalence. It affects males and females equally and accounts for 10%–20% of all referrals to dermatologists.[4] Individuals who live in urban areas with low humidity are more prone to develop this type of dermatitis.
Dermatitis herpetiformis appears as a result of a gastrointestinal condition, known as celiac disease.
Seborrheic dermatitis is more common in infants and in individuals between 30 and 70 years old. It appears to affect primarily men and it occurs in 85% of people suffering from AIDS.[citation needed]
Nummular dermatitis is a less common type of dermatitis, with no known cause and which tends to appear more frequently in middle-age people.
Stasis dermatitis is an inflammation on the lower legs which is caused by buildups of blood and fluid and it is more likely to occur in people with varicose.
Perioral dermatitis is somewhat similar to rosacea; it appears more often in women between 20 and 60 years old.
Infective dermatitis is dermatitis secondary to a skin infection
Dermatitis symptoms vary with all different forms of the condition. They range from skin rashes to bumpy rashes or including blisters. Although every type of dermatitis has different symptoms, there are certain signs that are common for all of them, including redness of the skin, swelling, itching and skin lesions and sometimes oozing and scarring. Also, the area of the skin on which the symptoms appear tends to be different with every type of dermatitis.
The symptoms of contact dermatitis usually appear at the site where the allergen got into contact with the skin. Also, the symptoms of neurodermatitis are limited to a single area, often the neck, wrist, forearm, thigh or ankle. More rarely, the primary symptom of this condition which is itchy skin may appear on the genital area, such as the vulva or scrotum. [5] Symptoms of this type of dermatitis may be very intense and may come and go. Irritant contact dermatitis is usually more painful than itchy.
Although the symptoms of atopic dermatitis vary from person to person, the most common symptoms are dry, itchy, red skin. Typical affected skin areas include the folds of the arms, the back of the knees, wrists, face and hands. Less commonly there may be cracks behind the ears, and various other rashes on any part of the body. [6] Itching is the primary symptoms of this condition.
Dermatitis herpetiformis symptoms include itching, stinging and a burning sensation. Papules and vesicles are commonly present. The small red bumps experienced in this type of dermatitis are usually about 1 cm in size, red in color and may be found symmetrically grouped or distributed on the upper or lower back, buttocks, elbows, knees, neck, shoulders, and scalp. [7] Less frequently, the rash may appear inside the mouth or near the hairline.
The symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis on the other hand, tend to appear gradually, from dry or greasy scaling of the scalp (dandruff) to hair loss. In severe causes, pimples may appear along the hairline, behind the ears, on the eyebrows, on the bridge of the nose, around the nose, on the chest, and on the upper back. [3] In newborns, the condition causes a thick and yellowish scalp rash, often accompanied by a diaper rash.
Perioral dermatitis refers to a red bumpy rash around the mouth. [8]
A number of health conditions, allergies, genetic factors and irritants can be responsible for causing dermatitis. There are several types of dermatitis which are distinguished based on the factor that triggers the skin reaction.
Cleaning products like:
may cause contact dermatitis.
This specific type of dermatitis can also be caused by the exposure to allergens such as:
Individuals develop this condition due to a brief exposure to the allergen or to a prolonged exposure to an irritant, such as those mentioned above. Generally, people who become sensitive to an allergen will be allergic to it for the rest of their lives.
Dry skin, chronic irritation, eczema and psoriasis are possible causes of neurodermatitis.[9]
Studies have shown that long term use of topical steroid cream, often used to treat atopic dermatitis, can make the condition much worse. Total cessation of the use of topical steroid cream can lead to cure, although there is a period of severe 'rebound' between the cessation of the use of topical steroid cream and the cure.[10]
Another type of dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis is usually caused by physical stress, neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease or by traveling. Varicose veins and chronic conditions or infections that affect the blood flow in the legs account for potential causes of stasis dermatitis.
The cause of atopic dermatitis is not known, but the disease seems to result from a combination of genetic (hereditary) and environmental factors.[11] Usually, an irritable skin, a poor immune system and a genetic factor are included among the causes of this condition. Although stress does not cause this type of dermatitis, it has been proven to worsen it. Not least, makeup, moisturizers, topical corticosteroids and dental products that contain fluoride may cause perioral dermatitis.
Dermatitis herpetiformis is caused by a gastrointestinal condition called celiac disease. Celiac disease often results after the ingestion of aliments that contain gluten.
Treatment of dermatitis is made accordingly with the particular cause of the disease. Creams that contain corticosteroids, wet compresses and avoiding the allergens and irritants are part of most treatment plans. For some types of dermatitis, nonsteroidal medications may help relieve signs and symptoms. And for all types of dermatitis, occasional use of over-the-counter antihistamines can reduce itching. [12]
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Translations:
Dermatitis |
Dansk (Danish)
n. - hudbetændelse
Nederlands (Dutch)
dermatitis (huidontsteking)
Français (French)
n. - dermatite
Deutsch (German)
n. - Hautentzündung
Ελληνική (Greek)
n. - (παθολ.) δερματίτιδα
Português (Portuguese)
n. - dermatite (f) (Patol.)
Español (Spanish)
n. - dermatitis
Svenska (Swedish)
n. - dermatit (med.)
中文(简体)(Chinese (Simplified))
皮肤炎
中文(繁體)(Chinese (Traditional))
n. - 皮膚炎
العربيه (Arabic)
(الاسم) التهاب الجلد
עברית (Hebrew)
n. - דלקת העור
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![]() | Wikipedia on Answers.com. This article is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article Dermatitis. Read more |
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