Dermatitis is a general term for skin inflammation. With dermatitis, your skin will typically look dry, swollen, and red. Depending on the type of dermatitis you have, causes vary. However, it’s not contagious.
Dermatitis can be uncomfortable for some. How itchy your skin feels can range from mild to severe. Certain types of dermatitis can last a long time, while others may flare up, depending on the season, what you’re exposed to, or stress.
Some types of dermatitis are more common in children, and others are more common in adults. You may find relief from dermatitis with medications and topical creams.
Contact your doctor for an appointment if your skin is infected, painful, or uncomfortable, or if your dermatitis is widespread or isn’t getting better.
Symptoms of dermatitis
The symptoms of dermatitis range from mild to severe and will look different depending on what part of the body is affected. Not all people with dermatitis experience all symptoms.
In general, the symptoms of dermatitis may include:
- rashes
- blisters
- dry, cracked skin
- itchy skin
- painful skin, with stinging or burning
- redness
- swelling
Types of dermatitis
There are several different types of dermatitis. Below are the most common:
- Atopic dermatitis. Also called eczema, this skin condition is usually inherited and develops during infancy. Someone with eczema will likely experience rough patches of dry, itchy skin.
- Contact dermatitis. Contact dermatitis happens when a substance touches your skin and causes an allergic reaction or irritation. These reactions can develop further into rashes that burn, sting, itch, or blister.
- Dyshidrotic dermatitis. In this type of dermatitis, the skin can’t protect itself. This results in itchy, dry skin, often accompanied by small blisters. It occurs mainly on the feet and hands.
- Seborrheic dermatitis. Also known as cradle cap in babies, this type is most common on the scalp, though it can also occur on the face and chest. It often causes scaly patches, red skin, and dandruff.
Other types
Some other types of dermatitis include:
- Neurodermatitis. This type involves an itchy patch of skin, often triggered by stress or something irritating the skin.
- Nummular dermatitis. Nummular dermatitis involves oval sores on the skin, often occurring after a skin injury.
- Stasis dermatitis. This type involves skin changes due to poor blood circulation.
- Dermatitis neglecta. Dermatitis neglecta refers to a skin condition that results from not practicing good hygiene habits.
The causes of dermatitis
The causes of dermatitis vary depending on the type. Some types, like dyshidrotic eczema, neurodermatitis, and nummular dermatitis, may have unknown causes.
Contact dermatitis
Contact dermatitis occurs when you come in direct contact with an irritant or allergen. Common materials that cause allergic reactions include:
- detergents
- cosmetics
- nickel
- poison ivy and oak
Eczema
Eczema is caused by a combination of factors like dry skin, environmental setting, and bacteria on the skin. It’s often genetic, as people with eczema tend to have a family history of eczema, allergies, or asthma.
Seborrheic dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis is likely caused by a fungus in the oil glands. It tends to get worse in the spring and winter.
This type of dermatitis also appears to have a genetic component for some people.
Stasis dermatitis
Stasis dermatitis occurs due to poor circulation in the body, most commonly in the lower legs and feet.
Triggers
The trigger is what causes your skin to have a reaction. It could be a substance, your environment, or something happening in your body.
Common triggers that cause dermatitis to flare include:
- stress
- hormonal changes
- the environment
- irritating substances
Risk factors for dermatitis
Factors that increase your chances of getting dermatitis include:
- age
- the environment
- family history
- health conditions
- allergies
- asthma
Some factors increase your risk for certain types of dermatitis more than others. For example, frequent washing and drying of hands will strip your skin’s protective oils and change its pH balance. This is why healthcare workers typically have hand dermatitis.
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