Dermatitis

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).

• Acne
• Rosacea and Rhinophyma
• Psoriasis
• Dermatitis
• Skin Infections
• Skin Cancer