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Dermatitis
Dermatitis treatment available online today
Request dermatitis treatment today from our trusted, board-certified online doctors and get relief today. Get a new prescription for dermatitis or refill an existing prescription today.*
Book an appointment
Discover your dermatitis triggers
Treat contact, seborrheic and atopic dermatitis
Find relief from pain, swelling, and blisters
*Prescriptions are provided at the doctor’s discretion. Learn more about our controlled substances policy and how to save up to 80% with our prescription discount card. PlushCare doctors cannot treat all cases of dermatitis. Our primary care physicians can conduct an initial evaluation of your symptoms, but may need to refer you to a specialist or for in-person treatment. If you are experiencing life-threatening symptoms, seek emergency medical attention immediately.
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 or very 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.
When to see a doctor for dermatitis
See your PlushCare doctor if your rash does not go away in 2 weeks, or if it gets worse. Your doctor can look at your rash to determine what type of dermatitis it is and which treatment option is best for you. Your online doctor can diagnose dermatitis and help you come up with a customized treatment plan.
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.
3 simple steps to request treatment for dermatitis today
Step 1
Book a dermatitis treatment appointment.
Book a same day appointment from anywhere.
Step 2
Talk to your medical provider regarding your dermatitis symptoms.
Visit with a doctor on your smartphone, tablet, or computer.
Step 3
Pick up prescription for dermatitis treatment.
We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy.
Related conditions to dermatitis
Dermatitis treatment pricing details
How pricing works
To request dermatitis treatment and get a new or refill on your prescription, join our monthly membership and get discounted visits
Paying with insurance
Membership
$16.99/month
First month free
Visits
Copay
30 days of free membership
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Visit price with insurance
Often the same as an office visit. Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less!
- We accept these insurance plans and many more:
Paying without insurance
Membership
$16.99/month
First month free
Visits
$129
30 days of free membership
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Visit price without insurance
Initial visits are $129.
If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund.
Dermatitis treatment resources
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.