dermatitis

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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.

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.

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:

• chlorine
• cleansers
• detergents and soaps
• fabric softeners
• glues used on artificial nails
• perfumes
• topical medications

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:

• burdock root (Arctium lappa)
• calendula (Calendula officinalis) ointment
• chamomile (Matricaria recutita) ointment
• cleavers (Galium ssp.)
• evening primrose oil (Oenothera biennis)
• nettles (Urtica dioica)

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:

• fever develops
• skin oozes or other signs of infection appear
• symptoms do not begin to subside after seven days of treatment
• he/she comes into contact with someone who has a wart, cold sore, or other viral skin infection

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 (accessed January 5, 2005).

[Article by: L. Fleming Fallon, Jr., MD, DrPH]

Inflammation of the skin, often accompanied by a rash. See also allergic contact 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.

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.

• actinobacillary d. — rare disease in cattle; large ulcers discharging yellow pus or nodules, on lymphatics with local lymph node enlargement.
• acute moist d. — a superficial bacterial infection of the skin, usually caused by self-trauma, i.e. scratching, rubbing, biting. In dogs, ectoparasites, otitis, anal sacculitis and pruritic skin diseases are common precipitating causes. Affected skin is moist, weeping, and has a covering of matted haircoat and dried exudate. Staphylococcus spp. are usually present. Called also pyotraumatic dermatitis, ‘hot spots’.
• allergic contact d. — see allergic contact dermatitis.
• allergic inhalant d. — see canine atopy.
• atopic d. — see canine atopy.
• cercarial d. — see trichobilharzia.
• cheyletiella d. — see cheyletiella.
• contagious pustular d. of sheep — see contagious ecthyma.
• coronet d. — part of several infectious mucosal diseases of cattle; also in equine pemphigus.
• d. crustosa — exudative epidermitis.
• elaeophorial d. — see elaeophoriasis.
• equine contagious pustular d. — see canadian horsepox.
• equine exfoliative eosinophilic d. — characterized by infiltration of eosinophils and granulomatous inflammation with ulcerative stomatitis and wasting; suspected of being a hypersensitivity to Strongylus equinus larvae.
• equine staphylococcal d. — see equine staphylococcal dermatitis.
• exudative d. of pigs — see exudative epidermitis.
• feline miliary d. — a papular, crusting skin disease located predominantly on the back, with varying degrees of pruritus. Ectoparasites, food and drug allergy, and infection by fungi or bacteria are among the many possible causes. Called also scabby cat disease.
• feline psychogenic d. — see idopathic hyperesthesia syndrome.
• feline solar d. — see solar dermatitis (below).
• fibrosing d. — dermatitis sufficiently severe to affect deep layers of the dermis results in scarring of the skin due to excessive fibrous tissue formation.
• filarial d. — see stephanofilarosis, onchocercosis.
• fold d. — moisture, friction and secondary infection in body folds such as facial fold in brachycephalic dog breeds, tail fold in dog breeds with extremely short, often screw, tails, lip fold in spaniel breeds, perivulvar fold in obese bitches, and all over the body in the Shar pei.

  Nasal fold dermatitis in a Bulldog. By permissionfrom Kummel BA, Color Atlas of Small Animal Dermatology,Mosby, 1989

• grain itch mite d. — a transient, superficial dermatitis, mostly about the head in horses; may be all over the body in pigs. Caused by pediculoides ventricosus or tyroglyphus.
• granular d. — swamp cancer.
• d. herpetiformis — chronic dermatitis in humans marked by successive crops of grouped, symmetrical, erythematous, papular, vesicular, eczematous or bullous lesions, accompanied by itching and burning; a granular deposition of IgA immunoglobulin around the lesion almost always occurs. Occurs rarely in dogs.
• idiopathic caprine d. — alopecic, exudative dermatitis of pygmy goats.
• infectious d. of piglets — see contagious porcine pyoderma.
• inhalant d. — see canine atopy.
• interdigital d. — see interdigital dermatitis.
• interface d. — a histopathological pattern of inflammatory skin disease with the dermoepidermal junction obscured by hydropic degeneration and/or lichenoid cellular infiltrate.
• intertriginous d. — see fold dermatitis (above).
• intraepidermal pustular d. — see equine allergic dermatitis.
• lipfold d. — see fold dermatitis (above).
• Malassezia d. — a pruritic, seborrheic skin disease of dogs, particularly some breeds including West Highland white terriers, Shetland sheepdogs, Poodles, and Cocker spaniels, and rarely cats, caused by colonization of the skin by the yeast, Malassezia pachydermatis. There is usually an underlying cause such as atopy or bacterial pyoderma.
• mammary pustular d. — see mammary pustular dermatitis.
• d. medicamentosa — an eruption or solitary skin lesion caused by a drug taken internally.
• miliary d. — see feline miliary dermatitis (above).
• moist d. of rabbits — the rabbit's pendulous dewlap keeps getting wet and develops a moist dermatitis as a result. Called also slobbers, wet dewlap.
• mycotic d. — see mycotic dermatitis.
• nasal solar d. — see solar dermatitis (below), collie nose.
• ovine interdigital d. — see ovine footrot.
• ovine staphylococcal d. — ulcerative dermatitis of the face of adult sheep and young lambs caused by a dermatopathic strain of Staphylococcus aureus. Called also ovine staphylococcal pyoderma.
• pastern d. — see greasy heel.
• pelodera d. — caused by larvae of the free-living nematode Pelodera strongyloides and characterized by alopecia, itching, thick, scurfy skin and 0.5 inch diameter pustules which contain the larvae.
• photocontact d. — allergic contact dermatitis caused by the action of sunlight on skin sensitized by contact with a substance capable of causing this reaction.
• photosensitive d. — see photosensitive dermatitis.
• plastic dish d. — a contact dermatitis caused by plastic feeding dishes to which a dog is allergic.
• porcine juvenile pustular psoriasiform d. — see pityriasis rosea.
• potato d. — see potato dermatitis.
• primary-irritant d. — contact dermatitis (see above) induced by a substance acting as an irritant rather than as a sensitizer or allergen.
• proliferative d. — see strawberry footrot.
• psoriaform, psoriasiform d. of swine — see pityriasis rosea.
• pyotraumatic d. — see acute moist dermatitis (above).
• d.–pyrexia–hemorrhage syndrome — a pruritic, papulocrustous dermatitis in dairy cows which is accompanied by fever and hemorrage from the nose and anus. It is believed to be caused by a toxin.
• rhabditic d. — see pelodera dermatitis (above).
• seasonal allergic d. — see atopy, equine allergic dermatitis.
• seborrheic d., d. seborrheica — a chronic, usually pruritic, dermatitis with erythema, dry, moist or greasy scaling, and yellow crusted patches on various areas, with exfoliation of an excessive amount of dry scales (dandruff) or encrustations of sebum on the skin. See also exudative epidermitis (pigs), greasy heel (horses), flexural seborrhea (cows).
• solar d. — a chronic, inflammatory reaction on white or lightly pigmented and exposed skin caused by sunlight. Most commonly seen on the ear tips, nose and eyelids of white cats and the nose of collie dogs or related breeds. Squamous cell carcinomas sometimes develop in affected skin. Called also nasal solar dermatitis, actinic dermatitis. See also collie nose.
• spongiotic d. — perivascular inflammation with spongiosis.
• summer d. — see equine allergic dermatitis.
• superficial pustular d. — immature dogs may develop pustules on the inguinal or axillary skin, often in association with poor nutrition, systemic infection, or parasitism. In kittens, these may occur on the neck, caused by ‘mouthing’ by the queen.
• trefoil d. — see trefoil dermatitis.
• tyroglyphid d. — see tyroglyphus.
• unilateral papular d. — a disease of horses characterized by the appearance of many nodules or papules on one side of the neck and body. The lesions are eosinophilic folliculitis and perifolliculitis. The etiology and the unilateral distribution of the lesions are unexplained.
• ventral midline d. — small ulcers with hemorrhagic crusts and hair loss, located on the abdomen, particularly around the umbilicus, of horses; caused by biting flies and gnats.
• vesicular d. — see avian vesicular dermatitis.
• viral contagious d. — see contagious ecthyma.
• viral papular d. — see equine papular dermatitis.
• x-ray d. — radiodermatitis.

An inflammation of the skin.

• Diseases and Infestations - dermatitis: skin inflammation

Dermatitis
Classification and external resources
Dermatitis of the hand.
ICD-10	L20-L30
ICD-9	692.9
MeSH	D003872

Dermatitis is inflammation of the skin (i.e. rash).

Contents 1 Etymology 2 Terminology 3 Classification 4 Signs and symptoms 5 Causes 6 Treatment 7 See also 8 References 9 External links

Etymology

Dermatitis derives from Greek derma "skin" + -itis "inflammation".

Terminology

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.

Classification

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

Signs and symptoms

Rash symptomatic of dermatitis

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]

Causes

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:

• skin soaps
• detergents
• laundry soap or
• bleach

may cause contact dermatitis.

This specific type of dermatitis can also be caused by the exposure to allergens such as:

• rubber,
• metal (nickel),
• jewelry,
• cosmetics,
• fragrances and perfume,
• weeds (such as poison ivy) or
• a common ingredient found in topical antibiotic creams: neomycin.

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.

Dermatitis from exposure to kerosene

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

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]

See also

• Contact dermatitis
• Grant v The Australian Knitting Mills
• Interdigital dermatitis in cattle
• List of skin diseases

References

1. ^ ICD 10: Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue (L00-L99) > Dermatitis and eczema (L20-L30)
2. ^ Johannes Ring; Bernhard Przybilla; Thomas Ruzicka (2006). Handbook of atopic eczema. Birkhäuser. pp. 4. ISBN 9783540231332. http://books.google.com/?id=jTktMX60bPwC&pg=PA4. Retrieved 4 May 2010. 
3. ^ ^{a b} "Dermatitis". http://www.merckmanuals.com/home/skin_disorders/itching_and_noninfectious_rashes/dermatitis.html. Retrieved 2010-11-06. 
4. ^ "How common is atopic dermatitis?". http://www.medicinenet.com/atopic_dermatitis/page2.htm#3howcommon. Retrieved 2010-11-06. 
5. ^ "Neurodermatitis". http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/neurodermatitis/ds00712/dsection=symptoms. Retrieved 2010-11-06. 
6. ^ "What are the symptoms of atopic dermatitis?". http://www.medicinenet.com/atopic_dermatitis/page3.htm#6whatare. Retrieved 2010-11-06. 
7. ^ "Contact Dermatitis Pictures". http://www.dermatitispictures.net/. Retrieved 2010-11-06. 
8. ^ "Symptoms". http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/dermatitis-eczema/DS00339/DSECTION=symptoms. Retrieved 2010-11-06. 
9. ^ "Dermatitis". http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/dermatitis-eczema/ds00339/dsection=causes. Retrieved 2010-11-06. 
10. ^ url=http://kellypalace61.web.officelive.com/Documents/CorticosteriodAddictionArticle.pdf
11. ^ "What causes atopic dermatitis?". http://www.medicinenet.com/atopic_dermatitis/page2.htm#4whatcauses. Retrieved 2010-11-06. 
12. ^ "Treatments and drugs". http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/dermatitis-eczema/ds00339/dsection=treatments-and-drugs. Retrieved 2010-11-06. 

External links

• Skin Exposures and Effects National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
• NIH/Medline
• CRISP Thesaurus 00017035

v d e Dermatitis and eczema (L20–L30, 690–693,698) Atopic dermatitis Besnier's prurigo Seborrheic dermatitis Pityriasis simplex capillitii · Cradle cap Contact dermatitis (allergic, irritant) plants: Urushiol-induced contact dermatitis · African blackwood dermatitis · Tulip fingers other: Abietic acid dermatitis · Diaper rash · Airbag dermatitis · Baboon syndrome · Contact stomatitis · Protein contact dermatitis Eczema Autoimmune estrogen dermatitis · Autoimmune progesterone dermatitis Breast eczema · Ear eczema · Eyelid dermatitis · Hand eczema (Chronic vesiculobullous hand eczema, Hyperkeratotic hand dermatitis) Autosensitization dermatitis/Id reaction (Candidid, Dermatophytid, Molluscum dermatitis) · Circumostomy eczema · Dyshidrosis · Juvenile plantar dermatosis · Nummular eczema · Nutritional deficiency eczema · Sulzberger–Garbe syndrome · Xerotic eczema Pruritus/Itch/ Prurigo Lichen simplex chronicus/Prurigo nodularis by location: Pruritus ani · Pruritus scroti · Pruritus vulvae · Scalp pruritus Drug-induced pruritus (Hydroxyethyl starch-induced pruritus) · Senile pruritus · Aquagenic pruritus (Aquadynia) Adult blaschkitis · due to liver disease (Biliary pruritus · Cholestatic pruritus) · Prion pruritus · Prurigo pigmentosa · Prurigo simplex · Puncta pruritica · Uremic pruritus Other/ungrouped substances taken internally: Bromoderma · Fixed drug reaction Nummular dermatitis · Pityriasis alba · Papuloerythroderma of Ofuji M: INT, SF, LCT anat/phys/devp noco(i/b/d/q/u/r/p/m/k/v/f)/cong/tumr(n/e/d), sysi/epon proc, drug (D2/3/4/5/8/11)

v d e Inflammation Acute Plasma derived mediators Bradykinin · complement (C3, C5a, MAC) · coagulation (Factor XII, Plasmin, Thrombin) Cell derived mediators preformed: Lysosome granules · vasoactive amines (Histamine, Serotonin) synthesized on demand: cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-8, TNF-α, IL-1) · eicosanoids (Leukotriene B4, Prostaglandins) · Nitric oxide · Kinins Chronic Macrophage · Epithelioid cell · Giant cell · Granuloma Processes Traditional: Rubor · Calor · Tumor · Dolor (pain) · Functio laesa Modern: Acute-phase reaction/Fever · Vasodilation · Increased vascular permeability · Exudate · Leukocyte extravasation · Chemotaxis Specific locations Nervous CNS (Encephalitis, Myelitis) · Meningitis (Arachnoiditis) · PNS (Neuritis) · eye (Dacryoadenitis, Scleritis, Keratitis, Choroiditis, Retinitis, Chorioretinitis, Blepharitis, Conjunctivitis, Iritis, Uveitis) · ear (Otitis, Labyrinthitis, Mastoiditis) Cardiovascular Carditis (Endocarditis, Myocarditis, Pericarditis) · Vasculitis (Arteritis, Phlebitis, Capillaritis) Respiratory upper (Sinusitis, Rhinitis, Pharyngitis, Laryngitis) · lower (Tracheitis, Bronchitis, Bronchiolitis, Pneumonitis, Pleuritis) · Mediastinitis Digestive mouth (Stomatitis, Gingivitis, Gingivostomatitis, Glossitis, Tonsillitis, Sialadenitis/Parotitis, Cheilitis, Pulpitis, Gnathitis) · tract (Esophagitis, Gastritis, Gastroenteritis, Enteritis, Colitis, Enterocolitis, Duodenitis, Ileitis, Caecitis, Appendicitis, Proctitis) · accessory (Hepatitis, Cholangitis, Cholecystitis, Pancreatitis) · Peritonitis Integumentary Dermatitis (Folliculitis) · Cellulitis · Hidradenitis Musculoskeletal Arthritis · Dermatomyositis · soft tissue (Myositis, Synovitis/Tenosynovitis, Bursitis, Enthesitis, Fasciitis, Capsulitis, Epicondylitis, Tendinitis, Panniculitis) Osteochondritis: Osteitis (Spondylitis, Periostitis) · Chondritis Urinary Nephritis (Glomerulonephritis, Pyelonephritis) · Ureteritis · Cystitis · Urethritis Reproductive female: Oophoritis · Salpingitis · Endometritis · Parametritis · Cervicitis · Vaginitis · Vulvitis · Mastitis male: Orchitis · Epididymitis · Prostatitis · Balanitis · Balanoposthitis pregnancy/newborn: Chorioamnionitis · Omphalitis Endocrine Insulitis · Hypophysitis · Thyroiditis · Parathyroiditis · Adrenalitis Lymphatic Lymphangitis · Lymphadenitis

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Dansk (Danish)
n. - hudbetændelse

Nederlands (Dutch)
dermatitis (huidontsteking)

Français (French)
n. - dermatite

Deutsch (German)
n. - Hautentzündung

Ελληνική (Greek)
n. - (παθολ.) δερματίτιδα

Italiano (Italian)
dermatite

Português (Portuguese)
n. - dermatite (f) (Patol.)

Русский (Russian)
дерматит

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

한국어 (Korean)
n. - 피부염

日本語 (Japanese)
n. - 皮膚炎

العربيه (Arabic)
‏(الاسم) التهاب الجلد‏

עברית (Hebrew)
n. - ‮דלקת העור‬

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