Dermatitis is an encompassing term that simply means “skin inflammation”. There are actually several different forms of dermatitis, such as atopic (also known as eczema), seborrheic, and contact, to name a few. While the condition can involve many different symptoms, it most commonly involves a reddening of the skin often accompanied by itchiness. Most forms of dermatitis are caused by some form of contact with an irritant or allergen that negatively affects the skin.
The symptoms associated with dermatitis can range in severity from simple skin rashes that are only mildly itchy, to severe rashes that include large raised bumps or blisters that can ooze, leading to scarring. Each individual form of dermatitis has its own unique symptoms, however just about every form will include some redness, itching, and swelling. The area of the body that is affected can also vary from person to person and depending on the type of dermatitis. It is most common that dermatitis symptoms become evident in the location(s) where the irritant or allergen came into contact with the skin. Neurodermatitis symptoms are typically confined to just one area, such as on the arm, wrist, ankle, thigh, or the neck. In some cases, the irritation may appear on the genitals, especially on the scrotum or vulva. Neurodermatitis symptoms can be quite intense and may appear and disappear with no warning. Contact dermatitis symptoms can also come and go, and tend to be more painful than other types of dermatitis.
Individuals suffering with atopic dermatitis can have a wide range of symptoms; however the most common are itchy, red, dry skin. Most people find the folds of the body such as the arms, the elbows, the backs of the knees, and the armpits are affected. Other common areas include the wrists, the hands, and the face. Severe cases of atopic dermatitis can cause cracking of the skin in delicate areas, such as behind the ears. Even though dermatitis can come in different forms and be caused by different factors, it is not considered to be a contagious condition, and it is not life threatening. That being said, the condition can cause feelings of isolation or anxiety because visible skin issues often cause people to feel self conscious. Visible skin conditions can also cause others to shy away from contact in order to avoid “catching” the problem. While this is unwarranted, it often leads people suffering with dermatitis to cover up all of the time, or avoid social settings.
This certainly does not have to be the case. By gaining a better understanding of what causes the various forms of dermatitis, along with simple tips to follow to keep symptoms under control, anyone suffering from a lack of confidence due to this condition can make their worries a thing of the past. |
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