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| Dermatitis, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention, Complications |
Dermatitis is an inflammation or irritation of the skin which is generally characterized by itchy, dry and reddish skin. This skin disease generally occurs as a result of an allergic reaction. Dermatitis itself is divided into many types, including atopic dermatitis and contact dermatitis.
Dermatitis or eczema is a skin disease that is not contagious. Dermatitis can affect anyone, from infants to the elderly. Although not dangerous, this condition can cause discomfort and interfere with daily activities. To fix this, the doctor can give topical medication or oral medication.
Causes of Dermatitis
Dermatitis can be caused by genetic factors, immune system response, environment, or exposure to irritants. Here is the explanation:
- genetics
A person can get dermatitis if they have a gene that makes their skin more sensitive. A person can also develop dermatitis if they have a family with the same condition.
- Immune system response
In some people, certain allergens (allergy-triggering substances) can cause the immune system to overreact. This can cause atopic dermatitis.
- Environment
Environmental factors can also cause dermatitis, for example exposure to cigarette smoke or vehicle fumes. Pet dander, pollen, and dust can also cause dermatitis.
- Irritant exposure
Several types of dermatitis can occur when the skin is exposed to chemicals or irritants. For example, irritant contact dermatitis can occur if hands are exposed to detergents.
In addition to the factors above, dermatitis often occurs in people who are sleep deprived, or have depression, anxiety disorders, asthma, or other allergic diseases.
Dermatitis and psoriasis have very similar symptoms, namely scaly skin. However, psoriasis is an autoimmune disease, while dermatitis is more often the result of irritation or an allergic reaction. In addition, psoriasis is often complicated by arthritis, while dermatitis is not.
Symptoms of Dermatitis
Symptoms of dermatitis vary, depending on the type of dermatitis experienced. The following are the types of dermatitis and the symptoms that accompany them:
1. Atopic dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis or dry eczema usually occurs in infants or toddlers and can last into adulthood. Symptoms of atopic dermatitis generally appear on the skin of the face, hands, inside of the elbows and knees.
Symptoms of atopic dermatitis are dry and scaly skin, red rashes, itching, and wet rashes.
2. Contact dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is caused by exposure to an irritant or an allergic reaction. Generally, a person gets contact dermatitis when exposed to substances found in soaps, detergents or solvents.
Contact dermatitis can cause symptoms in the form of a red rash that feels warm or hot, as well as itchy skin and blisters. Symptoms occur when there is contact with an allergen or irritant, then improve when the exposure is removed.
3. Dyshidrotic dermatitis
This type of dermatitis is also called pompholyx and is generally triggered by hot temperatures which cause the hands or feet to sweat more often. The most common symptom of dyshidrotic dermatitis is blistering on the skin of the palms, fingers or soles of the feet. These blisters may be accompanied by pain and itching around the affected area.
4. Seborrheic dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis most often occurs on skin that contains lots of oil glands, such as the scalp, face, around the ears, and chest. In infants, seborrheic dermatitis, also known as cradle cap, is characterized by thick, yellowish scales or crusts on the scalp.
Meanwhile, in adults, seborrheic dermatitis causes symptoms in the form of stubborn dandruff and yellowish crusts on the scalp that can extend to the face area. These symptoms can worsen if the sufferer experiences stress.
5. Neurodermatitis
Neurodermatitis or lichen simplex chronicus is characterized by a rash on the scalp, as well as itching on the neck or legs. Itching can get worse when the sufferer is resting or scratching the rash.
6. Dermatitis herpetiformis
Dermatitis herpetiformis or Dühring's disease is dermatitis that occurs in people with celiac disease. The rash of dermatitis herpetiformis resembles a burn with a burning and itchy sensation. This rash will disappear if the sufferer adopts a gluten-free diet.
When to see a doctor
Immediately consult a doctor if you experience the symptoms mentioned above. Medical help is also required immediately if you or your child experiences the following symptoms:
- Rash and itching that is so severe that it interferes with sleep and daily activities
- The skin feels sore and signs of infection appear, such as fever, and a rash that feels hot and watery
- Rashes and itching do not improve after treatment.
Diagnosis of Dermatitis
To diagnose dermatitis, the doctor will ask questions about symptoms, medical history, and how long the patient has had these symptoms. After that, the doctor will examine the skin using a magnifying glass.
Generally, doctors can immediately establish a diagnosis of dermatitis through examination of the patient's skin. However, if the doctor suspects that dermatitis is caused by allergies or other things, the patient will be advised to undergo additional examinations.
Investigations for dermatitis can include allergy tests, skin patches, and skin biopsies.
Dermatitis Treatment
Treatment of dermatitis will be adjusted to the symptoms experienced by the patient and the cause. For example, allergic contact dermatitis will go away on its own if the allergen or irritant that is causing it is removed. Therefore, patients are advised to avoid contact with allergens and irritants.
In addition to avoiding contact with allergens and irritants, patients can use moisturizing creams or ointments that contain emollients. This moisturizer can be used after washing hands, bathing, or when the skin is dry.
In addition to moisturizers, drugs that can be used to treat dermatitis include:
- Corticosteroid ointment or cream, such as betamethasone or hydrocortisone
- Topical anti-inflammatory drugs, for example pimecrolimus, tacrolimus, and ruxolitinib
Oral (drinking) type drugs can also be given to treat dermatitis, including:
- Antihistamine tablets, to relieve itching and reduce inflammation
- Antibiotics, to treat secondary infections that often occur in dermatitis
- Medications that suppress the immune system (immunosuppressants), such as methotrexate, azathioprine, and ciclosporin, to treat dermatitis that are not effectively treated with the above drugs
To speed up the healing process of dermatitis, patients can do self-handling. Some efforts that can be done are:
- Don't take too long
- Avoid bathing with water that is too hot
- Do not scratch or rub the rash with your fingernails or a rough cloth
- Pat the skin with a soft towel after bathing
- Manage stress
- Adopt a healthy diet by avoiding foods high in flour, sugar, or saturated fat
Dermatitis complications
Rashes due to constant scratching of dermatitis can cause complications in the form of open wounds. These open sores can become infected and the infection can spread to the deeper layers of the skin (cellulitis) or form a pocket of pus (abscess).
Although rare, the infection can also spread to other organs of the body, such as the lymph nodes (lymphadenitis).
Dermatitis can also cause hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation in the affected skin areas. However, areas of the skin that have discolored due to dermatitis can return to their original skin color after several years.
Prevention of Dermatitis
Prevention of dermatitis is carried out according to the type and cause. In contact dermatitis, the most effective way of prevention is to avoid the allergen or irritant that causes the rash.
The following ways can also be done to prevent dermatitis:
- Do not take a shower using water that is too hot
- Use gentle or special soaps and shampoos for sensitive skin
- Apply moisturizer and sunscreen regularly
- Wear gloves when washing if you experience irritation to detergent or laundry soap
- Exercise regularly and adopt a healthy diet to improve the immune system
- Get regular medical treatment and control if you have asthma or other allergy-related illnesses
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