All the Other Types of Dermatitis
Dermatitis a general term for skin inflammation. It leaves the skin looking puffy, swollen, dry and red from the inflammation.
There are several types of dermatitis and none of them are contagious.
Seborrheic Dermatitis can be found here
Atoptic Dermatitis (Eczema)
This is also known as eczema and is usually inherited and can develop when you’re young though can happen at any age. It’s a chronic (long lasting) condition and can be accompanied by hay fever or asthma. There is no cure though life style choices can assist with keeping it at bay.
Contact Dermatitis
This is caused by a product touching your skin that you are sensitive to. It can be made worse if you don’t have much of a natural protective layer on your skin because of natural dryness or over washing of your skin.
The two main forms are irritant and allergic though you can have both at the same time. Irritant is a reaction to something such as a chemical in solvents, detergents, cosmetics or cleaning products. Allegic is caused by the body having an immune reaction typically from plant saps, some medications or metals.
Phototoxic Dermatits
This is when contact with certain chemicals on your skin, comes in contact with sunlight or UV. This can happen with disinfectants, fragrances, insecticides, some sunscreens or coal tar products. It can also happen with some plants. The skin can blister and go very red.
How do you fix this? Find the offending product and stop using and/or stay out of direct exposure to sun and UV.
Stasis Dermatitis
This is due to your body having poor circulation, usually in the lower part of your body, your hands and feet.
What are some common triggers for dermatitis?
- Hormonal changes
- Irritating substances
- Stress
- Your environment
Treatment for dermatitis
If there is suspicion its an allergic reaction, you need to find out what’s causing the dermatitis. You can have a skin scratch test done at the dermatologist to find out for sure.
You can also stop using one product at a time for 4-6 weeks to see if the issue goes away. Eventually you will work out which thing you’re using that’s causing the issue.
However, if you want to find out for sure what it is, the skin scratch test is the way to go. This means you can look at the ingredient in any product you wish to purchase in the future.
An antihistamine could also help relieve the symptoms or a mild steroid cream from the chemist or doctor.
You could also have a food allergy so giving up one food for a 4-6 week period to see if it clears up could help. The life cycle of skin is 28 days so this gives it a chance to heal. The best thing to eliminate first is dairy and if it’s not that go for gluten next. I know this sucks but it’s not forever, just 6 weeks to be sure.
Use mild cleansers on your skin. Heavily perfumed products or drying soaps can leave the skin more exposed than is necessary.
Lastly, be careful not to scratch it with your finger tips. Bacteria is usually under your finger nails and you can make the condition worse. It you tear the skin and put bacteria in the tear you can get a bacterial infection as well. If you need to scratch, use the ball of your fingers so you don’t break the skin.
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