Dermatitis (Eczema)

The terms dermatitis and eczema are used interchangeably to describe inflamed and irritated skin. There are several types of dermatitis:

Atopic dermatitis describes the dry, sensitive skin associated with allergies and asthma that tends to be inherited. Symptoms can vary from mild to severe. It is common in infants and toddlers who may “grow out of it” by school age.

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Asteatotic dermatitis is caused by dry skin, particularly on the lower legs of elderly people. This is due to a reduction in sebum, the natural oil in skin that normally protects and moisturizes the skin.

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Contact dermatitis is a localized skin reaction to an allergen or irritant, causing redness, inflammation, and intense itching.

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Dyshidrotic dermatitis (pompholyx or vesicular hand/foot dermatitis) causes small, intensely itchy blisters to form on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet.

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Nummular dermatitis is identifiable by coin-shaped patches of irritated skin, occurring sometimes after a skin injury or insect bite.

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Seborrheic dermatitis is sometimes called “cradle cap” in newborns. This rash often appears on the scalp, behind the ears, or on the face and is identifiable by waxy, yellowish, scaly patches of skin.

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Stasis dermatitis shows up as red, irritated skin on the lower legs and is often associated with circulation problems,

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Dermatitis can be short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic). Acute dermatitis usually appears as a red rash, which may be blistered or swollen. When the dermatitis becomes chronic, the skin may become thickened, rough, and darker than the surrounding skin due to prolonged scratching.

Finding the underlying cause of dermatitis is one of the primary steps of treatment.

The dry irritated skin can be treated with one or more of the following medications:

• Topical corticosteroids
• Topical immunomodulators (Elidel, Protopic)
• Antibiotics, if an additional skin infection is suspected
• Oral antihistamines (Benadryl), which help reduce the itching and help prevent scratching at night

Tips for avoiding flare-ups include:

• When bathing, use lukewarm water without soap. If soap is necessary, using a mild, moisturizing soap. Hot water and soaps tend to dry the skin.
• Apply a moisturizer at least once a day. Apply the moisturizer within 3 minutes after bathing
• Wear smooth, cool clothes. Avoid wool