Table of contents:
- Medical complications of dermatitis
- 1. Infection
- 2. Neurodermatitis
- 3. Scars
- Lifestyle complications of dermatitis
- 1. Decreased self-confidence
- 2. Discomfort in exercising
- 3. Bullying
- 4. Difficulty sleeping
Without proper treatment, dermatitis can cause health complications beyond the symptoms that usually appear on the skin. Infections of the skin due to constant scratching is one of the most common complications.
Not only a medical complication, this skin disease can also have an impact on the lifestyle and psychological condition of the sufferer. So, what are the long-term effects of dermatitis that you need to be aware of?
Medical complications of dermatitis
The medical complications of dermatitis generally occur in problematic areas of the skin. This condition can occur during the recurrence of symptoms or even months after the skin begins to appear to heal.
Here are the long-term effects of dermatitis that may occur.
1. Infection
The skin of people with dermatitis can be damaged due to dry conditions or too frequent scratching. Over time, the protective layer of the skin is removed, leaving the skin drier, cracked, and susceptible to viruses or bacteria.
The bacteria that often cause skin infections are Staphylococcus aureus. These bacteria are naturally present on the surface of the skin, but the numbers tend to be higher in 60-90% of people with atopic dermatitis (eczema).
Infection S. aureus on the skin can exacerbate the symptoms of eczema. As a result, the skin becomes inflamed, looks red, or grows rashes like boils filled with fluid.
Apart from bacteria, people with atopic dermatitis are also susceptible to viral infections of the skin. The virus that often causes it is the herpes simplex virus with symptoms of infection in the form of itching, the appearance of resilient sores, and a burning sensation on the skin.
Many people with atopic dermatitis are also prohibited from receiving the smallpox vaccine. The reason is, they are at risk of experiencing vaccinatum eczema. This skin infection is caused by the vaccinia virus in the smallpox vaccine which is actually not dangerous in general.
2. Neurodermatitis
Neurodermatitis is a complication of dermatitis that starts from the appearance of itchy patches on the skin. These patches over time feel more itchy because the skin is scratched too often. The skin also looks thickened, reddish, and darker than it should be.
Although not dangerous, neurodermatitis can cause permanent discoloration and thickening of the skin even when eczema is no longer active. This condition often has to be treated with a combination of medication and psychological therapy.
3. Scars
The habit of constantly scratching the skin can leave scars. The scars that form will make the surface of the skin appear more raised or cause keloid scars on the problematic area.
If you have this, you have to do various ways to get rid of eczema scars so that they don't become permanent. The only way to prevent scar formation is to avoid scratching the skin when the dermatitis recurs.
Lifestyle complications of dermatitis
Dermatitis not only affects the sufferer's medical condition, but also their psychological and social aspects. The following are various long-term effects that can occur if dermatitis is not treated properly.
1. Decreased self-confidence
Many people with dermatitis feel it inferior with the condition of the skin. This can cause stress, while stress triggers the feeling of wanting to scratch the skin again. This condition can be overcome with medication and good stress management.
2. Discomfort in exercising
Dermatitis can make it difficult to exercise because sweat triggers an itchy sensation on the skin. Therefore, some dermatitis sufferers avoid physical activity due to this one complication.
Even so, you can work around this by exercising in an air-conditioned room to reduce sweat production. You can also avoid physical activity that is too strenuous and wear sports clothing that is friendly to the skin.
3. Bullying
School age children may experience this bullying by friends their age because of the skin problems they have. Parents can play an active role by understanding the wishes of the child and explaining the situation to the teacher at school.
4. Difficulty sleeping
Another complication that is often experienced by sufferers of dermatitis is insomnia. Slowly not sleeping enough can have an effect mood and behavior. As a result, it becomes difficult for you to concentrate during your daily activities.
Regardless of the type of dermatitis you have, this condition actually does not pose a major health hazard. However, dermatitis can have a number of long-term effects that should not be ignored.
If you experience symptoms of dermatitis, immediately visit a dermatologist to get the right treatment. Treatment will help relieve the symptoms of dermatitis and lower the risk of complications.
