Symptoms of skin dermatitis and 10 tips on how to get rid of it

What is skin dermatitis?
Skin dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin that can cause a lot of problems: dry, itchy, and red skin, sometimes with a rash, blisters, scales, or even oozing. It can be caused by genetic factors, an overactive immune system, infections, allergies, irritants, and other factors.

Symptoms of dermatitis
The most common symptoms of dermatitis include:
• Itching, which can be painful.
• Dry, cracked, and flaky skin.
• Rash associated with swelling.
• Blisters, sometimes accompanied by oozing and crusting.
• Dandruff – mainly in seborrheic dermatitis.
• Thickened, rough skin from prolonged scratching.
• Small raised pimples.

How can you tell if it is dermatitis?
Dermatitis can resemble other skin problems, such as fungus, psoriasis, acne, or even an allergic reaction. If your doctor is unsure of what exactly is happening to your skin, they may recommend blood tests, a skin biopsy, or allergy (skin) tests. 
There is not just one type of dermatitis—there are several types that differ in their causes and appearance.

Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
It often appears in childhood and manifests as dry, itchy skin, most commonly in the bends of the limbs (elbows, knees). It is often hereditary.

Infectious dermatitis
It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi and is characterized by itching, blisters, and sometimes oozing. It often develops where the skin is already irritated—for example, after eczema, an allergic reaction, or when the body is weakened by illness or stress. 

Contact dermatitis
This occurs after contact with a foreign substance that irritates the skin or causes an allergic reaction. The skin may be red, burn, itch, or ooze. Rashes are very common on the forearms, hands, and feet (e.g., after contact with shoes or socks containing nickel or dyes).

There are two types of contact dermatitis:
• Irritant dermatitis – occurs after skin contact with irritants such as cleaning agents, solvents or certain cosmetic products. It is not an immune response.
• Allergic dermatitis – occurs as a reaction to an allergen such as nickel, perfume, preservatives or dyes.

Seborrheic dermatitis
It occurs in both infants and adults. In babies, it manifests as yellowish scales in the hair, and in adults as red, flaky skin, most commonly on the scalp, between the eyebrows, around the nose, or behind the ears.

Diaper dermatitis
This is common in infants and is caused by moisture, urine, and friction in the diaper area.

Dyshidrotic dermatitis
This manifests as a rash on the soles of the feet and palms of the hands and is characterized by small blisters. It occurs with excessive sweating, stress, or after frequent contact with water and cleaning agents.

Perioral dermatitis
An inflammatory rash around the mouth (sometimes around the nose or eyes), often caused by cosmetics, corticosteroids, or toothpaste. It is often chronic and tends to recur.

Numular dermatitis
It manifests itself as round, sharply defined patches that may be red, scaly, or weeping. The rash is typically found on the legs and buttocks, but can also occur on other parts of the body. It is often associated with dry and thin skin, especially in older people.

Stasis dermatitis
It occurs on the lower limbs, especially in chronic venous insufficiency. The skin is red, may itch and ooze.

Herpetiform dermatitis
This is a rare type of dermatitis associated with celiac disease. It often manifests as a severely itchy rash on the elbows, knees, or buttocks.

Skin dermatitis on the face
The face is our calling card – and when redness, pimples, flakes, or itching appear on it, it is not just a cosmetic problem. Skin dermatitis on the face can take many forms: it is often perioral or contact dermatitis. Triggers can include stress, weather, hormonal changes, and ingredients in skin care or decorative cosmetics.

What causes dermatitis?
Try to find out what triggers or worsens your skin problems. It is often something completely ordinary, such as a cleaning product, shampoo, but it can also be visiting a smoker, being in the sun, or taking a hot shower. 
The most common triggers include:
• chemicals in cosmetics and cleaning products,
• pollen, dust, and animal hair,
• synthetic or irritating materials,
• sweat and heat,
• stress, lack of sleep,
• food.
Try to notice any connections. If you find out what your skin doesn't like, you're halfway there.

Is dermatitis contagious?
Most forms of dermatitis are not contagious – the exception is infectious dermatitis, which in some cases can be transmitted by sharing towels, razors, or direct contact with the affected area. You can reduce the risk of infection by practicing good hygiene and avoiding contact with irritated skin.

Who is most likely to suffer from dermatitis?
You may think that skin dermatitis is mainly a childhood condition. But the opposite is true. It affects people of all ages, but its form changes at different stages of life.
• Atopic dermatitis (infantile eczema) is most common in infants and young children, causing dry, itchy skin in the folds of the limbs. Many babies also have seborrheic dermatitis.
• Adults often suffer from eczema on their hands, especially if they wash their hands frequently, work with chemicals, regularly use cleaning and disinfectant products, or are under prolonged stress.
• Older people are more likely to develop stasis or nummular dermatitis.

Prevention of skin dermatitis
How can you relieve your skin before dermatitis appears? Some of these steps can also be used as part of treatment.
1. Avoid irritants
If you know what makes your dermatitis worse, try to avoid it as much as possible.
2. Use a moisturizing cream
Apply it immediately after showering or bathing to keep your skin hydrated and protected.
3. Reduce stress
Stress is a common trigger. Exercise, sleep, and meditation can help.
4. Bathe in lukewarm water and use mild soap
Hot water dries out the skin. Shower only once a day and use unscented soap.
5. Apply barrier creams
Barrier creams moisturize and help restore the skin's protective layer. Dermaguard is an excellent choice, as it soothes irritation and protects the skin from further damage. It is also suitable for sensitive and atopic skin. You can find it in our e-shop.

How to get rid of dermatitis
Treatment depends on the type of dermatitis and its location. What can you try when dermatitis flares up?
1. Wet wrap
Soothing and moisturizing helps with very dry or irritated skin.
2. Oral medications
In some cases, your doctor may prescribe pills to suppress the excessive immune response.
3. Antihistamines
These are used for itching or allergic reactions, especially for contact dermatitis.
4. Antibiotics
These are used for perioral dermatitis or when a bacterial infection gets into the irritated skin.
5. Ultraviolet light (phototherapy)
Light with UV radiation (UVA or UVB) soothes your skin and can also reduce inflammation. It is mainly used for chronic skin problems.
6. Calcineurin inhibitors or phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors
Topical anti-inflammatory drugs that often replace or supplement corticosteroids.
7. Corticosteroid creams and ointments for dermatitis
They quickly relieve inflammation and itching and are also suitable for acute conditions.
8. Therapeutic baths
A lukewarm bath with oatmeal, chamomile, or special additives from the pharmacy has an anti-inflammatory and moisturizing effect.
9. Biological treatment
Injectable treatment for severe forms of dermatitis that targets specific parts of the immune system.
10. Dietary changes
In some people, certain foods can worsen the condition of the skin, especially if you suffer from food allergies or intolerances. What should you avoid eating if you have dermatitis? The most common problems are gluten, dairy products, eggs, peanuts, sugar, and alcohol.

How long will I have dermatitis?
The length of treatment depends on the type of dermatitis and how you care for your skin. Sometimes visible results can be seen within a few weeks, while other times longer-term care is needed. For some people, dermatitis appears in childhood and persists throughout their lives. For others, it only appears during certain periods, such as during puberty or after childbirth, and then gradually subsides.
The good news is that even if dermatitis does not disappear completely, its symptoms can be significantly reduced. Even small changes in your daily routine can bring great relief. Start with small steps and you will see that your skin will begin to calm down.

Source:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dermatitis-eczema/symptoms-causes/syc-20352380
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4089-dermatitis
https://dermnetnz.org/topics/dermatitis)
https://www.medparkhospital.com/en-US/disease-and-treatment/dermatitis