Skin rash (dermatitis)

Skin | Dermatology | Skin rash (dermatitis) (Disease)


Description

Dermatitis can be translated simply as an inflammation of the skin, but this condition is characterized by a multitude of symptoms such as dry skin, flushing (red skin), pruritus (itching), scabs and other exfoliated lesions, papules (lesions redness, raised ), blisters (lesions with fluid).

There are several types of dermatitis, according to the triggers, but their treatment is somehow the same.

(1)Atopic dermatitis, also known as the eczema is a common form of dermatitis that causes itchy skin lesions (with itching), which can progress to erythematous lesions and even (with fluid). Atopic dermatitis is a genetically transmitted disease and family is also associated with allergens, asthma or a form of dermatitis.

(2) Seborrheic dermatitis is caused by an excessive secretion of sebaceous glands with excretory duct obstruction and accumulation of sebum. This form of dermatitis is more common among infants, the adult is related to general hormonal changes and stress.

(3) Stasis dermatitis is a form of dermatitis which occurs among people with peripheral circulatory failure (hydrostatic varicose veins, arthritis, heart, kidney, liver cirrhosis, diabetes mellitus). Circulatory failure can cause local edema (fluid in subcutaneous tissues), which may progress to erythema and ulceration.

Causes and Risk factors

Plants are most commonly incriminated in determining lesions of dermatitis (poison ivy or oak). Some vegetables, fruit, herbs or ground can cause skin irritation. Chemical irritants most often incriminated in causing contact dermatitis are: detergents, soaps, chlorine, synthetic materials, nail polish, acetone, antiperspirants, formaldehyde (used in chemical industry).

Diagnosis and Treatment

Most rashes are not dangerous to a person or people in the vicinity (unless they are part of an infectious disease such as chickenpox). Many rashes last a while and get better on their own. It is therefore not unreasonable to treat symptoms like itchy and/or dry skin for a few days to see whether the condition gets milder and goes away.

Nonprescription (over-the-counter) remedies include: anti-itch creams, antihistamines, moisturizing lotions. ...