Dermatitis refers to a kind of skin inflammation. Those suffering from dermatitis usually have dry, patched, swollen, and discolored skin. Dermatitis can be of several types, and accordingly, some types of skin inflammation can be curable with medications and home remedies. Other serious skin issues require immediate consultation with the dermatologist.
Dermatitis usually is a chronic skin condition. Skin conditions like eczema are common among younger children and adults, but the symptoms may differ according to the individual. But are these skin problems curable? To know the answer check out below, as the top dermatologists have done the dermatitis demystified for you.
Types of Dermatitis
There are many minor kinds of dermatitis, but any dermatologist will consider four major types-
- Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis or eczema is often genetic and usually develops during childhood. However, adults can also have atopic dermatitis, causing dry, itchy, and swollen skin. Those with skin conditions are at higher risk of developing hay fever, food allergies, and asthma. To treat eczema, you need to follow healthy skin care habits and moisturize your skin to prevent any more outbreaks and relieve itchiness.
- Contact dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is an adverse skin reaction after contacting a substance. These reactions often develop into blisters, itch, burns, or rashes. If contact dermatitis is allergic, then the outside substance may not damage the skin but will deeply impact the immune system. Most times, a dermatologist will recommend medications and antihistamines to treat the dermatitis type.
- Dyshidrotic Dermatitis
Your skin might fail to protect itself due to dyshidrotic dermatitis. The itchy and dry skin reaction occurs mainly on the hands and feet of those who sweat heavily in these regions. Moisturizing your hands and feet regularly will relieve you from the dermatitis type.
- Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis, commonly called cradle cap, is mainly seen in infants. Some symptoms like scaly patches, dandruff, or discoloration confirm cradle cap. Dermatologists fail to provide any short-term cure for the skin condition. However, seborrheic dermatitis can be treated effectively with steroids and antifungal medicines.
Dermatologist Recommended Treatment for Dermatitis
Patch testing helps to diagnose dermatitis. These patch tests identify the causes of the symptoms and take nearly 2-3 days to report the skin condition. The treatment for dermatitis also varies. A dermatologist will prescribe medicines based on the cause and observable symptoms.
- Applying a prescribed corticosteroid ointment to the rashes.
- Calcineurin inhibitor rash cream can be used. However, the ointment will affect the immune system and is only permissible to use based on doctors’ prescriptions.
- Wet dressings for serious eczema. It is a medical treatment where corticosteroid ointment is applied, wrapped with wet bandages, and topped with a layer of dry gaze.
- Doctor-prescribed injected medicine like dupilumab for more serious conditions.
Some Home Remedies for Dermatitis
If the dermatitis is in its initial stages, then it can be managed with self-care habits. So, to manage dermatitis, you can follow the home remedies-
- Wipe the rashes gently with a wet cloth every day.
- Apply a moisturizing cream two times a day and protect your skin from dryness or itchiness. Try to avoid ointments having alcohol, dyes, or fragrances as it will irritate the skin.
- Take a household bleach bath with no more than half a cup of homemade bleach in water.
- Don’t scratch or itch the rashes.
- Avoid wearing synthetic fabric clothing.
- Have a peaceful mind and manage your stress and anxiety levels. Emotional outbursts may not be healthy for your skin.
FAQ
Is dermatitis contagious, or can it be passed on to others?
Dermatitis can’t spread from person to person and mostly develops during childhood as a genetic condition. Other than biological reasons, individuals may develop dermatitis as an allergic reaction to substances and can be very uncomfortable. A dermatologist will recommend applying ointments and cold compress to relieve skin irritation, redness, or inflammation.
Final Words
A dermatologist considers dermatitis as a common term for skin conditions like eczema which causes discoloration, itchiness, or redness in the skin surface. The treatment depends on the identified causes and symptoms of the skin dermatitis. You can also try out some home remedies to relieve your skin uneasiness, or else, if it is unbearable, consult the best dermatologists to seek help.
