Dermatitis (eczema) is inflammation of the upper layers of the skin, causing itching, blisters, redness, swelling, and often exude, scabbing, and scaling. Dermatitis affects about one in every five people at some time in their lives. It results from a variety of different causes and has various patterns. There are different types of dermatitis, including seborrheic dermatitis and atopic dermatitis (eczema). Gravitational dermatitis arises on the lower legs of the elderly, due to swelling and poorly functioning leg veins. Nummular dermatitis may be set off primary by an injury to the skin: scattered coin-shaped irritable patches persist for a few months. Though the disorder can have many causes and occur in many forms, it usually involves swollen, reddened and itchy skin.

Dermatitis can be acute or chronic or both. Acute eczema (or dermatitis) refers to a rapidly progress red rash which may be blistered and swollen. Chronic eczema (or dermatitis) refers to a longstanding bad-tempered area. It is often darker than the surrounding skin, thickened (lichenified) and much scratched. Atopic dermatitis is one of the most common skin diseases, affecting between 9% and 30% of children or teenagers in the United States. Almost 66% of people with the disorder develop it before age 1, and 90% by age 5. Irritant contact dermatitis occurs when chemicals or physical agents damage the surface of the skin faster than the skin is able to repair the damage. Seborrheic dermatitis is a skin disorder affecting the scalp, face and trunk causing scaly, flaky, itchy, red skin.

It particularly affects the sebum-gland rich areas of skin. It may occur during times of physical stress, travel or in people who have neurological conditions, such as Parkinson's disease. In infants, this disorder is known as cradle cap. Treatment of dermatitis varies, depending on the cause. Chronic treatment with topical corticosteroids may lead to permanent skin changes, such as atrophy and telangiectasia. Pimecrolimus is a new anti-inflammatory cream shown to be very effective for atopic dermatitis, with fewer side effects than topical steroids. Apply an emollient liberally and often, particularly after bathing, and when itchy.Wear soft smooth cool clothes; wool is best avoided. Antihistamine tablets may help reduce the irritation, and are particularly useful at night.

Dermatitis Treatment and Prevention Tips

1. Avoid contact with substances that cause the skin rash.

2. Wash any area that comes into contact with allergic substances.

3. Wear soft smooth cool clothes.

4. Hydrocortisone lotions and creams may help soothe your skin.

5. Apply a topical steroid cream or ointment to the itchy patches for a 5 to 15 day course.

6. Pimecrolimus is a new anti-inflammatory cream shown to be very effective for atopic dermatitis.

7. Antihistamine tablets may help reduce the irritation, and are particularly useful at night.