Introduction to Dermatitis and Eczema
Dermatitis means inflammation of the skin. Dermatologists use the term
to describe a specific group of inflammatory skin diseases, or rashes. Dermatitis
is also known as eczema; in medical circles, the words are often used interchangeably.
However, eczema is usually associated with atopic dermatitis.
Dermatitis can occur in many forms. The most common forms are
atopic and contact. Up to 25 percent
of all patients with skin disease in the United States have a form of dermatitis.
The most common symptoms are itchy, swollen, and reddened skin.
There are three stages of dermatitis: acute, subacute, and chronic. The disease
may start at any of these stages, remain in one stage, or evolve to another.
- Acute dermatitis can occur quickly with symptoms of itching, redness, and
swelling of the skin that may progress to scratch marks.
- Subacute dermatitis is characterized by scaliness, peeling, scratch marks,
and skin redness.
- Chronic dermatitis is characterized by moderate to intense itching, crustiness,
thickened, discolored, scaly, and painfully cracked skin. These symptoms usually
develop slowly and persist over long periods of time. Scratching and rubbing can
become a habit.
Acute dermatitis may be treated with cool, wet compresses, oral steroids, and antihistamines.
Topical corticosteroids are often the treatment of choice for subacute and chronic
dermatitis. This type of medicine is used to reduce inflammation and to help relieve
the itching, swelling, redness, and discomfort of many skin problems. Ask your doctor
if topical corticosteroids may be right for you.
Atopic dermatitis (eczema) >
