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Dermatitis: Many Forms, Many
Remedies
Dermatitis is the general term
for any inflammation of the skin. There are many types of
dermatitis and many different causes.
Atopic dermatitis is very common, affecting more than
15 million people in the United States. It typically surfaces
as an allergic reaction to wool, silk, fur, ointment,
detergent, perfume, wheat, milk, or eggs. It produces an
intensely itchy rash that blisters, oozes, and crusts. In
infants, it appears primarily on the face and scalp. When it
occurs in adolescents and young adults, it is usually found
in the large folds of the hands and feet; elbow bends and
backs of knees; and the face, neck, and upper
chest.
Doctors usually treat atopic
dermatitis with topical corticosteroids and petrolatum,
sedatives, and antihistamines. Nonsteroidal creams and
ointments such as Elidel and Protopic are also available.
Oral antibiotics may be prescribed for a secondary infection;
ultraviolet light therapy has been helpful in treating severe
cases. Patients are instructed to eliminate or avoid
allergens, irritants, extreme temperatures, stress, and other
possible aggravating factors.
Seborrheic dermatitis is another common skin disorder.
This chronic condition causes red skin covered by yellowish,
greasy-appearing scales and usually occurs on the scalp
(where it's known as dandruff), sides of the nose, eyebrows,
eyelids, skin behind the ears, and the middle of the chest.
Treatment with low-strength topical cortisone preparations
usually provides relief. Scalp treatments include frequent
shampoos with preparations containing such chemicals as tar,
zinc pyrithione, selenium sulfide, sulfur, and/or salicylic
acid. Seborrheic dermatitis may be caused or perpetuated by a
yeast organism, and antiyeast creams have been used with good
results by some people.
Other forms of dermatitis
include contact dermatitis, localized neurodermatitis, stasis
dermatitis, exfoliative dermatitis, and allergic contact
dermatitis (poison ivy, oak, and sumac).
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