We all have probably faced skin problems at some point. Beautiful skin is like our label, so nurturing it is important. Conditions like dermatitis can make our lives difficult. Do you know the signs of dermatitis?
Dermatitis - what is it?
Dry skin can be one of the main signs that you have dermatitis. Dermatitis is an acute inflammatory skin disease that can be caused by various internal and external stimuli. The most common signs of dermatitis are: dry skin, skin swelling and redness. There are several different types of dermatitis.
Dermatitis does not cause any serious damage to your body. It is not contagious and does not mean that your skin is dirty or infected. There are treatments and medications that can help control your symptoms.
Types of dermatitis
Depending on the type, the symptoms of dermatitis may be different. Itching of the skin can also range from mild to severe. Certain types of dermatitis may last longer. Also, dermatitis can be affected by stress, the time of year and the stress experienced. Some types of dermatitis may occur more often in adults and others in children. The most common types are atopic and contact dermatitis.
Atopic dermatitis
This skin condition is better known as eczema. Atopic dermatitis is one of the most common chronic inflammatory diseases. The most common symptoms: constant dryness of the skin, itching, sores of various sizes.
Often, atopic dermatitis can be the beginning of the "atopic march". It is a process during which one allergic disease is replaced by another. It can often start in childhood, often with atopic dermatitis. With age, this disease can be replaced by other atopic diseases, such as allergic rhinitis.
Atopic dermatitis occurs even in 20% children. However, most children outgrow this disease with age. Among adults, this disease is not so popular. This disease is diagnosed in approximately 2-10% adults.
Also, this disease can have a strong influence on your life. Atopic dermatitis can affect the quality of your sleep. And permanent damage to the skin can increase the likelihood of contracting infectious diseases. Also, atopic dermatitis can affect your appearance, which affects how others see you and how you see yourself.
Atopic dermatitis can be caused by both genetic and environmental factors. Sleep patterns, living environment and your lifestyle can be the cause of dermatitis. However, the most common cause is considered to be allergies.
Risk factors for atopic dermatitis:
- Hay fever or asthma.
- Gender. This type of atopic dermatitis is more common in women
The most common food allergens are: milk and its products, fish and other seafood, wheat, proteins, nuts and exotic fruits. Dermatitis can also be caused by: perfumes, soaps, pollen, mold, and animal hair.
With atopic dermatitis, the removal of water from the deeper layers of the skin also increases, as a result of which the skin is constantly itchy and feels stretched. In patients with atopic dermatitis, the entire skin is affected, even if some areas of the skin appear to be healthy. So if this disease is not noticed in time, allergy tests are not performed, the situation becomes worse over time.
Contact dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin that occurs due to contact with substances that cause allergic reactions. When allergens come into contact with the skin, they penetrate the upper layers of the skin and, if a person is allergic, cause the accumulation of immune cells at the point of contact.
Contact dermatitis is divided into 2 types: acute and chronic.
Acute contact dermatitis
Acute contact dermatitis is an acute inflammatory reaction of the skin caused by irritating substances acting directly from the outside. Acute contact dermatitis is characterized by reddening and swelling of the skin, a rash with nodules and blisters. This type of dermatitis usually affects adults.
This type of dermatitis is limited to the affected area and may last 2-3 weeks.
Chronic contact dermatitis
Chronic contact dermatitis is a chronic hypersensitivity reaction that occurs when the skin comes into contact with chemicals that have previously sensitized the body. Allergic contact dermatitis is also characterized by cross reactions - sensitivity to substances with a similar chemical structure.
Contact dermatitis can be caused by a variety of irritants, such as:
- various metals and jewelry (nickel, chrome, cobalt, mercury)
- cosmetics (shampoo, cleansers, soap, toothpaste, toilet water, perfumes, balms)
- preservatives, disinfectants (parabens, formaldehyde, katone, antifreeze, solvents, insecticides, antiseptic creams)
- Plants (chrysanthemums, sunflowers, daisies, sunflowers, primroses, daffodils, tulips, poison ivy, jasmine)
- Medicines (streptomycin, bacitracin, levomycetin, furacilin)
One of the most obvious signs that skin rashes are caused by a contact allergy is that the rash appears exclusively at the site of contact with the allergen. If the contact with the allergen is not stopped, the symptoms become stronger, swelling becomes pronounced, red itchy pimples on the body can turn into painful, open wounds.
Other, less common types of dermatitis include:
- Stasis dermatitis. It usually occurs on the feet and hands, and can also occur in people who sweat profusely in these areas.
- Seborrheic dermatitis. Seborrheic dermatitis is most likely caused by a fungus of the sebaceous glands. It usually gets worse in spring and winter. In some people, this dermatitis also appears to have a genetic component.
- Neurodermatitis. This type is characterized by an itchy patch of skin, often triggered by stress or something that irritates the skin.
- Monetary dermatitis. This dermatitis involves oval skin blisters that often appear after skin injuries.
Who can get dermatitis?
Dermatitis does not depend on age. Dermatitis can be caused by:
- Atopic dermatitis (eczema) usually starts in childhood, but it can affect people of any age.
- Anyone can get contact dermatitis because it simply involves skin contact with a substance.
- People with celiac disease are prone to dermatitis herpetiformis.
- There are several factors that increase the risk of developing dermatitis.
What causes dermatitis?
Dermatitis is caused by activation of the immune system, genetics and environmental factors.
Immune system. Sometimes your immune system overreacts. If you have atopic dermatitis, your immune system reacts to seemingly minor irritants or allergens. This causes inflammation.
Genetics. Scientists have found that if other members of your family have dermatitis, you are more likely to develop it too. In addition, experts identified changes in genes that control a protein that helps the body maintain healthy skin. Your skin cannot stay healthy without a normal amount of this protein.
Environment. Your environment can cause your immune system to change the skin's protective barrier. As a result, more moisture is released, which can lead to dermatitis. Possible environmental factors include exposure to tobacco smoke and some types of air pollutants. Fragrances in some skin products and soaps may also be present.
Contact. Some types of dermatitis are caused by exposure to chemicals and other irritants. For example, exposure to fluoride in water or toothpaste can cause perioral dermatitis.
How can you prevent or reduce the risk of dermatitis?
Try to avoid anything that causes dermatitis. These can include foods that you are sensitive or allergic to, chemicals that irritate your skin, and soaps that do the same.
Moisturize your skin regularly. Do not overheat the skin. Use a humidifier to keep the air from being too dry. Try not to scratch. Reduce stress.
The most important thing is to react in time
Don't wait until you're in such discomfort that you can't sleep before seeing a healthcare professional about your skin. See him as soon as symptoms start so you can start treatment. See your doctor especially quickly if you think you have an infection or if you are in a lot of pain.
