Thursday, June 2, 2011

Dermatitis Facts

Skin can be delicate, and sometimes an ordinary substance in the environment – such as a beauty product or materials you come into contact with at work – can trigger skin reactions. Some people have particularly sensitive skin, and multiple environmental triggers can cause a wide array of symptoms. In this article, you’ll learn about the different classifications of dermatitis, how to understand the severity of your symptoms and what type of treatment will work for you.

Dermatitis defined. While different types of dermatitis have some of the same symptoms, the underlying causes and treatment options may differ.

* Contact dermatitis. One of the most common types of dermatitis is contact dermatitis. This condition is temporary and usually appears soon after you’ve come into contact with an irritant or allergen. The reaction is usually localized to the area of skin where contact occurred and typically clears up quickly.

o Symptoms: General symptoms – which are common to all types of dermatitis – include itchy skin patches that may be scaly, flaky or dry.

o Treatment: If caught early, contact dermatitis can be treated at home. The most important step is to identify the culprit and avoid any further contact.

Keep in mind that more than one trigger could be responsible. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, there are more than 3,000 known allergens that contribute to common skin rashes, such as:

  • Leather
  • Glue
  • Varnish
  • Fiberglass
  • Concrete
  • Cosmetics
  • Artificial fragrances
  • Metals such as nickel, mercury and zinc

+ Exposure to poison ivy or poison oak is also considered contact dermatitis.

o Product pick: While discontinued contact with irritants will clear up most cases of dermatitis, Mayo Clinic recommends using a hydro cortisone cream like Peter Thomas Roth Aloe-Cort Cream to treat any lingering symptoms including itchiness.

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