Dermatitis: symptoms, causes, drugs, treatments, etc.

Definition

What is dermatitis skin disease?

Dermatitis skin disease is a skin disease caused by inflammation due to direct contact with irritants (irritating to the skin) or allergens (allergens) in the surrounding environment. This skin problem can also be influenced by genetic factors.

The main symptom is a red, swollen rash that looks very dry and feels itchy. The affected skin is usually painful to the touch and is filled with small blisters that can peel off fluid.

Dermatitis is not a contagious skin disease. Even so, the symptoms need to be recognized early. This disease can be well controlled through a combination of medication and prevention of contact with things that trigger skin inflammation.

How common is this condition?

Dermatitis is a very common inflammatory skin disease. This disease usually affects 15-20% of children and 1-3% of adults worldwide. People with a history of allergies and asthma are more prone to experience them.

This skin disease can be avoided and treated by reducing the factors that increase the risk. Talk to your doctor for more information.

Signs and symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of dermatitis?

This skin disease consists of several types. The signs and symptoms really depend on the type you have. Of the many that exist, the three most common types of dermatitis that need to be recognized are:

• atopic dermatitis (eczema),
• contact dermatitis (irritant contact or allergic contact), as well
• seborrheic dermatitis.

Each type of dermatitis has different symptoms and causes. Some appear for a long time and some only appear temporarily when exposed to certain substances.

1.Atopic dermatitis (eczema)

Atopic dermatitis (eczema) first appears in infancy and can continue into adulthood. Inflammation of the skin usually appears on parts of the body such as the inner elbows, behind the knees, and the front of the neck.

Common signs and symptoms experienced by sufferers are as follows.

• Severe itching especially on flexed skin such as in the elbows, front of the neck, and back of the knees.
• Rash that crusts and is watery if scratched.
• Red, rough, cracked, or scaly patches of skin.

Various symptoms can arise from drowning. Usually symptoms appear when the skin is exposed to certain substances that increase the risk.

2. Contact dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin that occurs as a result of direct contact between the skin and a substance that causes an allergic reaction or irritation. Symptoms of this disease usually appear only on areas of the skin that are affected by allergens only.

Symptoms include:

• a red rash or bump,
• blisters filled with water,
• a burning and burning sensation in the rash,
• the skin feels itchy, as well
• swollen skin.

3. Seborrheic dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis is characterized by scaly patch-like skin that is red and resembles dandruff. This condition usually affects oily parts of the body, such as the face, scalp, upper chest, and back.

The various symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis, namely:

• white scales like dandruff,
• yellowish scales or crusts on the scalp, ears, face, and other parts of the body, as well
• red skin.

This skin problem usually appears over a long period of time and often drowns. In babies, this skin disease is called cradle cap.

When should I see a doctor?

If you or your family are affected by this skin disease, immediately consult a doctor when:

• Feeling so uncomfortable that sleeping and other activities are hampered.
• The skin feels very sore.
• Suspect that the skin has an infection, for example, pus discharge from a wound in the skin.
• Have tried various home remedies but it doesn't get better.

Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent the disease from getting worse and reduce the risk of developing other medical emergencies. This is why you are advised to see a doctor when various symptoms have appeared.

There may be other symptoms not listed above. If you have any other questions, don't hesitate to ask the doctor. Talk to your doctor about what treatment and medication is most appropriate for you.

Cause

What causes dermatitis?

The following are various causes of dermatitis according to the type.

1.Atopic dermatitis (eczema)

This type of skin disease may be caused by various factors, such as:

• dry skin,
• differences in genetic conditions,
• errors in the immune system,
• bacteria on the skin,
• environmental factor,
• a family history of eczema, as well
• a history of allergies or asthma.

2. Contact dermatitis

This disease is divided into allergic contact dermatitis and irritant contact dermatitis. Allergic contact dermatitis is caused by direct contact with an allergen, while irritant contact dermatitis results from contact with an irritant.

Some of the allergens and irritants that are often the cause are:

• plant poison ivy or poisonous plants derived from medicinal plants, flowers, fruits and vegetables,
• jewelry with nickel,
• chemicals in cleaning products,
• perfume,
• cosmetics, as well
• preservatives in creams and lotions.

3. Seborrheic dermatitis

Chronic inflammation of the scalp is generally caused by the growth of Malassezia fungus on the oil glands that are spread over the skin. The immune system may react inappropriately to the fungus, causing the fungus and oil to grow out of control.

Risk factors

Who is more at risk of developing dermatitis?

There are many factors that increase your risk of developing skin inflammation, including the following.

1. Age

This skin disease can appear at any age, but atopic dermatitis (eczema) is more common in infants. Therefore, babies and children are more at risk of getting eczema.

2. Suffering from allergies and asthma

People who suffer from asthma and allergies are more at risk of developing atopic dermatitis. However, it is not known the exact relationship between allergy and asthma and atopic dermatitis.

3. Often exposed to allergens at work

Jobs that expose you to certain metals, solvents, or cleaning products increase your risk of contact dermatitis. People who work in the health sector are also prone to eczema, especially on the hands.

4. Suffering from certain diseases

You are at higher risk of developing chronic inflammation of the scalp if you have congestive heart failure, Parkinson's disease, and HIV.

5. Family history

Dermatitis is a skin disease that is passed from parents to children. Therefore, someone born to a family with a history of this disease is usually more susceptible to developing the same disease.

6. Wash your hands too often

Certain habits can actually increase a person's risk of chronic inflammation, for example washing and drying hands too often. The reason is, this habit can remove the skin's natural oils and change its pH balance.

Diagnosis

If your doctor suspects dermatitis, you may undergo a physical exam and some of the following tests.

1. Physical examination

A physical exam is the first thing doctors usually do to look for possible disease. The doctor will see it from the signs and symptoms that appear on the skin.

In addition, the doctor will also ask you and your family's medical history. From there, the doctor can begin to draw initial conclusions about your skin condition.

2. Patch test (patch testing)

Your doctor will perform a skin patch test if you suspect that you have contact dermatitis. In this test, your skin will be smeared with a small amount of an allergen or irritant, then covered with a special bandage.

Skin patch tests are carried out over several visits. During a follow-up visit a few days later, your doctor will examine your skin to see if you have any reactions to these substances.

The skin patch test is best done at least 2 weeks after the symptoms of the dermatitis have started to disappear. Usually this procedure is very useful to see if you have a contact allergy to certain substances.

3. Skin biopsy

A skin biopsy for dermatitis is one method that can be used to find out the cause of your skin problem. This procedure is done by taking a small sample of skin to look at under a microscope.

Treatment

What are the options for natural remedies to treat dermatitis symptoms?

Before using medication, your doctor may recommend the following natural or home remedies.

1. Cold compress

The cold compress aims to relieve itching without scratching it. Wrap a few ices in a towel and apply to your skin for 20 minutes 3-4 times a day.

2. Take a warm shower

Warm baths also help relieve annoying itching. However, don't take baths for too long or in water that's too hot as this can dry out your skin even more, worsening your symptoms.

3. Do not scratch the skin

So that the skin condition does not get worse, do not scratch too hard the area of ​​your skin affected by dermatitis. Instead, try tapping it, pinching it gently, or using a compress to relieve itching.

4. Use clothes made from cotton

Cotton clothing helps prevent irritation from eczema. Apart from absorbing sweat, this material is also safe and gentle on the skin so it won't hurt areas affected by dermatitis.

5. Do fun activities

Stress is one of the things that aggravates the symptoms of dermatitis. You can try to avoid it with fun activities like yoga, take up a new hobby, listen to music, or just take a deep breath to relax your body.

6. Apply tea tree oil

Tea tree oil contains antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties that help treat seborrheic dermatitis. Just mix in a few drops tea tree oil with coconut or olive oil, then apply it to your scalp regularly.

7. Using aloe vera

Aloe vera is a plant with a high anti-inflammatory content. A study published in Indian Journal of Dermatology even mentioning that this plant extract can relieve symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis.

8. Take fish oil supplements

Fish oil supplements can help reduce the symptoms of dermatitis that are triggered by allergies. In addition, this one supplement also helps maintain overall body health because it contains omega 3 fatty acids.

What are the medical treatment options for dermatitis?

Treatment for dermatitis varies from person to person, depending on the type and severity. In addition to lifestyle recommendations and home remedies, here are some common remedies that doctors prescribe.

• Apply a corticosteroid ointment to relieve itching and inflammation.
• Applying certain creams or lotions that affect the immune system (calcineurin inhibitors).
• Take an antihistamine (diphenhydramine) to reduce allergic reactions and itching.
• Take antibiotics or antifungals if the eczema is infected.
• Do phototherapy or light therapy.

Prevention

How can you prevent dermatitis from coming back?

You can prevent the recurrence of this disease by keeping the skin moisturised and cared for. Here are the tips.

• Limit shower time to 5-10 minutes.
• Use a soap that doesn't produce a lot of lather.
• Drying the body with a soft towel.
• Using a skin moisturizing oil or cream.
• Avoid allergens or irritants.
• Wear gloves if you want to use cleaning products.

Dermatitis is an inflammatory disease of the skin with various triggers. Some of them are caused by allergies, and some are caused by direct contact with irritants.

Identify what triggers your condition and discuss it with your doctor to get the appropriate treatment. Early treatment is very helpful in dealing with symptoms and preventing the disease from getting worse.