Inflamed, red, and itchy skin can be triggered by allergies, weather, and harsh chemicals. Genes and the immune system also appear to play a role.
Depending on what kind of dermatitis, scientists have identified several factors that may play a role in its development, including hereditary factors and an overactive immune system response.
Although there’s not yet a definitive cure for the skin condition, understanding the causes and triggers will pave the way to the most effective treatment. Here’s what to know.
What is Dermatitis?
Dermatitis is a broad clinical term that refers to any skin inflammation, so essentially, any redness, rash, or irritation of the skin could be considered dermatitis.
While the terms dermatitis and eczema are often used synonymously, dermatitis is a more general term. Atopic dermatitis usually refers to eczema, while contact dermatitis occurs when your skin has an allergic reaction or is irritated by something, such as a chemical or latex. (More on both below.)
Signs and Symptoms of Dermatitis
Dermatitis can show up on your skin in many ways. Symptoms may include:
- Itchiness or irritation
- Pain or discomfort
- Dry or cracked skin
- A red rash (typically on white skin)
- A flesh-colored rash (more common on darker skin)
- Scales (more common on white skin)
- Tiny, raised bumps (more common on Black or brown skin)
- Blisters or sores that may contain fluid
- Thickening of the skin
Types of Dermatitis
As mentioned above, there are many types of dermatitis but the three most common forms are:
- Atopic dermatitis is a chronic condition characterized by dry, itchy, and inflamed skin and often referred to as eczema.
- Contact dermatitis is technically another form of eczema, but unlike atopic dermatitis, it is not a chronic condition. It essentially means inflammation from contact with a substance or irritant, or an allergic reaction.
- Seborrheic dermatitis is another type of eczema that typically affects the scalp. It’s commonly referred to as dandruff and also called seborrheic eczema.
- Stasis dermatitis, which is also called gravitational dermatitis, venous eczema, or varicose eczema, affects an estimated 15 to 20 million people in the U.S., according to the American Academy of Dermatology. It’s characterized by swollen and discolored skin caused by impaired blood flow, usually in the lower legs or near the ankles.
What Causes Dermatitis?
Though researchers don’t know exactly what causes every type of dermatitis, they do know that certain factors play a role in the onset of some forms of the condition, including:
- Allergic reaction. An allergic reaction can trigger allergic contact dermatitis, which happens when the immune system over-responds to certain substances, even in very tiny quantities. Contact allergies may occur when exposed to common allergenic substances like metal, latex, adhesives, cleaners, and some scents. The reaction typically happens within one to three days following contact and most often with repeated exposure to the substance.
- Environment. Environmental factors like cold weather, humidity, and lots of wind have been linked to exacerbation of dermatitis symptoms.
- Stress and hormonal changes. Stress causes a spike in cortisol that has been linked to the onset or worsening of several skin conditions, including eczema. Hormonal changes may also play a role in the development of atopic dermatitis and symptom flares, though more research is needed.
- Immune system. Eczema appears to be triggered at least in part by an overactive immune system response, though more research is needed to understand the exact mechanism at work.
- Genes. The risk of developing certain types of dermatitis, such as atopic dermatitis, is higher if you have a family history of the disease, leading scientists to believe that genes may play a role in its onset.
How Do You Identify Your Dermatitis Triggers?
To help identify potential dermatitis triggers, experts recommend keeping a diary of your daily life where you detail the frequency and severity of flare-ups, products you use, what you eat and drink, weather, stress, sleep, and exercise.
With support from a dermatologist, you can pinpoint factors that may be worsening your condition. Your doctor can also perform an allergy test or patch test to definitively determine which substances may be triggering a reaction.
How Do You Prevent Dermatitis?
According to the National Institute of Health’s (NIH) National Library of Medicine, you can prevent some types of eczema by minimizing stress and avoiding identified allergens and skin irritants such as pollen, specific foods, animal hair, cleaners, fabrics, and lotions.
How Do You Treat Dermatitis?
Treatment for dermatitis varies based on the type and potential cause(s). Since there isn’t a definitive cure for eczema, in general, it’s best to visit a doctor for an individualized approach to treatment.
Effective treatments include:
- Prescription-strength corticosteroids, either oral, topical, or a combination, which help reduce inflammation, itching, and allergic reactions
- Prescription-strength creams or ointments that contain a calcineurin inhibitor, which impact the immune system
- Applying wet dressings with corticosteroids
- Anti-itch creams and ointments with 1% hydrocortisone, applied once or twice a day.
- Regular moisturizing
- Soaking in a warm bath with finely ground colloidal oatmeal
Worried About Dermatitis? Work with a Piction Dermatologist
Understanding what causes dermatitis is the first step toward managing it effectively. If you’re not sure what caused your rash, you may want to reach out to a dermatologist from Piction Health who can help identify and diagnose your condition.
They can then help you determine your specific triggers and develop a comprehensive treatment plan to help you find relief as soon as possible.
