Pediatrics

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Learn about dermatitis

Dermatitis is a type of skin rash that can happen after your skin touches something or is irritated by something you are allergic to. There are three main types of dermatitis: contact, seborrheic and atopic.

Contact dermatitis

The most common type is contact dermatitis. Contact dermatitis is defined as an inflammation of the skin resulting in redness and itching. Contact dermatitis is caused by an allergen or an irritant. Perfumes, harsh soaps, dyes, lanolin, deodorants, and cleaning supplies are allergens and irritant. Irritants are responsible for about 80% of contact dermatitis.

Seborrheic dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis is a skin condition that causes flaky patches usually located on oily areas of the body. These areas can include the scalp, face, upper chest and back. Seborrheic dermatitis is common in babies and is called "cradle cap."

Atopic dermatitis (eczema)

Atopic dermatitis (eczema) is a skin condition that causes itchy and flaky skin and can be associated with musculoskeletal and skin diseases. Hand eczema is the most common.

Stasis dermatitis is also called venous stasis or venous eczema and happens when there is a problem with your veins and blood flow, usually in your lower legs. The skin is inflamed in the lower legs caused by fluid build up due to varicose veins, circulation issues, or heart disease.

Dermatitis causes

Certain food, medications, perfumes, or cosmetics can irritate your skin and cause a dermatitis reaction. Metal in some kinds of jewelry will cause. Eczema, called atopic dermatitis, often happens in those who have allergies. Eczema also runs in families.

Genetic and environmental factors cause dermatitis and other skin conditions. Family history and medical history are taken into account when diagnosing dermatitis. Eczema tends to run in families. Environmental triggers such as tobacco smoke exposure and other types of air pollutants can cause dermatitis. These are characterized as irritants and lead to dermatitis and a skin reaction. Common allergies, like hay fever, cause an irritant reaction and subsequently dermatitis. If you are prone to hay fever, you are at higher risk for skin conditions like eczema.

Dermatitis symptoms

Dermatitis can look different for everyone, and symptoms can vary from mild to severe. Common dermatitis symptoms include:

Pain

Swelling

Blisters

Dry skin

Crusty skin or scaly patches

Itchy skin, severe itching

Sensitive skin

Nighttime scratching

Crusty, yellow material on eyelashes

Eyelid inflammation

People with darker skin appear to have purple, brown or gray rashes while people with light skin have a red rash over the affected area. If your rash is caused by an allergic reaction, it is most likely you will have blisters and widespread swelling.

People with eczema symptoms will report intense itching, color changes in skin, small bumps (like goosebumps), or skin that flakes off or forms scales. Most people with eczema have their first symptoms by age 5.

How to treat dermatitis

Prescription medications, topical treatments, steroid creams, skin products, dietary supplements, and other treatments are used to treat dermatitis and reduce flare ups.

Your doctor may collect a skin biopsy to inspect the area of skin that is affected. Skin biopsies can help identify what allergic irritant is causing contact dermatitis.

If possible, to treat dermatitis, you must avoid scratching. Skin products are used to moisturize dry skin and keep skin healthy. Skin care is important for people with dermatitis. Wearing gloves helps protect your skin from allergies and harsh irritants that damage your skin.

Some alternative therapies for dermatitis include oatmeal baths, coconut oil topicals, sunflower oil topicals, topical vitamin B12, vitamin D, fish oil, CBD, turmeric, melatonin, and probiotics. Alternative medicine can be used in conjunction with modern medicine. Make an appointment today to speak with a PlushCare doctor about your treatment plan.

Medication for dermatitis

Your doctor may prescribe medications to help your rash. These medications can include steroid creams or ointments, steroid pills, and antibiotics. Steroid creams are wiped onto the affected skin to relieve itching and redness. Antibiotics are prescribed to kill bacteria that are causing a skin infection. Common skin antibiotics include Keflex, clindamycin, and Bactrim.

How to prevent dermatitis

You can prevent dermatitis by protecting your skin with gloves from anything harsh that may cause irritation or cause an allergy. Use unscented mild soaps to prevent flare ups. Avoid the following to prevent dermatitis:

Being too hot or cold
Stress and anxiety
Sudden temperature changes
Harsh soaps
Cleaning supplies
Perfumes
Wool or polyester fibers

You can use thick moisturizing creams and ointments to keep the skin from getting too dry, causing a flare-up.

Dermatitis treatment FAQs

What is the best treatment for dermatitis?

Antihistamines, wet dressings, oral steroids, and topical steroids are the best treatment for dermatitis.

What creams are good for dermatitis?

Steroid creams and anti-itch creams are good for dermatitis.

What is the main cause of dermatitis?

Environmental allergies and irritants are the main causes of dermatitis.

How long does dermatitis take to clear?

Depending on the type of dermatitis and your skin care hygiene, dermatitis can clear up in as little as two weeks.

How do you cure dermatitis?

Eliminating factors that aggravate your dermatitis symptoms can help reduce symptoms. Eczema is not curable, but it is possible to control your symptoms.

Does dermatitis ever go away?

Contact dermatitis and seborrheic dermatitis can go away after treatment.

What are the 3 types of dermatitis?

The 3 types of dermatitis include contact, seborrheic, and atopic dermatitis.

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Sources:

PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2016). Contact dermatitis & Latex allergy. Accessed on May 22, 2022 from https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/infectioncontrol/faqs/latex.html
Medscape (2020). Allergic contact dermatitis. Accessed on May 22, 2022 from https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1049216-overview
Medscape. (2021). Which medications in the drug class antibiotics are used in the treatment of atopic dermatitis? Accessed on May 22, 2022 from https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1049085-medication#

PlushCare content is reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals. Learn more about our editorial standards and meet the medical team. The PlushCare site or any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.