What
is dermatitis?
Dermatitis
is namely a skin disease that is characterized by inflammation on the skin. Most
common in children during their first year, it is commonly known as eczema,
dermatitis or atopy. One form of eczema, the disease has similar characteristics
that are it forms scaly red patches on the skin. The most common places where
it occurs include forehead, chin, elbow and cheeks etc. However it may spread
to joint creases such as elbow and knees. Mostly children are afflicted in such
case.
Dermatitis
can be categorized into two major categories namely: contact dermatitis and
seborrheic dermatitis. The former is caused by the exposure of skin to specific
substance which causes reaction while the latter is caused by the
overproduction of oil glands. The most common form of the latter case in adults
can be seen in the form of dandruff. Seborrheic dermatitis resolves by itself
but may reappear if the triggering substance is not kept in check. On the other
hand, contact dermatitis takes longer to cure and require tedious treatment.
However for treatment,
firstly it is important to recognize the symptoms of the disease. The symptoms
of both the types of dermatitis are similar which involves red scaly skin. In
certain situation certain blisters may also appear which are filled with clear
liquid. Swelling is also seen in certain cases. Along with the apparent
symptoms, the person might also experience high heart beat, problem in
swallowing substances etc.
The causes of dermatitis are different for both the
types. So firstly it is important to recognize the type of dermatitis you are
dealing with. You can evaluate the causes only after recognizing the type as
both have different reasons for their emergence. The contact dermatitis usually
occurs due to exposure to a certain substance that does not suit you causing
allergies and rashes. On the other hand, the other type of dermatitis is caused
due to the overproduction of oil by the oil glands which cannot resolve by it
but it has to be treated with regular treatment and takes ample amount of time
to heal and recover.
As soon as you notice
the symptoms, try medicating it at your own level and then see the doctor as
soon as possible. The treatment of contact dermatitis is not mandatory as it
can heal all by itself. The only thing you need to do is recognize the
substance that is causing such irritation. Stop using it thereafter and all the
problems will soon heal.
However the seborrheic dermatitis must be treated with proper
care. Upon confirming that you are suffering with it, try to keep the infected
area clean by washing it by water and then an antiseptic. Choose an appropriate
mild lotion to apply on the skin to remove the roughness and dryness caused by
the disease. In case the disease has spread to a wider area, you must see a
doctor to take meditative help which also takes ample amount of time to heal
and get back to normal.