Table of contents:
- The most common types of dermatitis
- 1.Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
- 2. Contact dermatitis
- Irritant contact dermatitis
- Allergic contact dermatitis
- 3. Seborrheic dermatitis
- 4. Neurodermatitis
- 5. Numeral dermatitis
- Other types of dermatitis that need to be known
- 1. Dermatitis venenata
- 2. Dermatitis herpetiformis
- 3. Stasis dermatitis
- 4. Perioral dermatitis
- 5. Intertriginous dermatitis
- 6. Dermatitis medical
- 7. Exfoliative dermatitis
- 8. Dishidrosis
Dermatitis skin disease is a chronic inflammation of the skin that causes swelling, redness rash, and itching sensation. There are different types of dermatitis and each type has different symptoms, triggers, and treatments.
The most common types of dermatitis
Everyone can experience dermatitis. However, each person may have dermatitis that is different from one another.
Some types of dermatitis tend to attack certain groups of people or age, for example, such as atopic dermatitis (eczema) which mostly occurs in infants. On the other hand, you can also get more than one type of dermatitis at the same time.
Below are the various types of dermatitis that are most common.
1.Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
Atopic dermatitis is commonly known as eczema or dry eczema. The reason is, this disease makes the skin itchy, dry, and peeling. If the affected skin is constantly scratched, the symptoms will get worse, causing the skin to become more damaged.
The cause of eczema is related to differences in genes that affect the skin's ability to protect the body from germs, allergens, and irritants. The risk is higher in people with a family history of eczema, allergies, or asthma.
Because it is genetic, eczema usually occurs in infancy and can continue into adulthood. Ultimately, eczema becomes a chronic (chronic) disease whose symptoms can appear at any time.
Atopic dermatitis cannot be cured, but the symptoms can be controlled in the following ways.
- Keeps skin moisturised by regularly applying moisturizer.
- Apply corticosteroid medication to the skin as directed by your doctor.
- Take drugs that control the work of the immune system.
- Perform ultraviolet light (UV) therapy.
2. Contact dermatitis
Inflammation of the skin due to direct contact with a substance is known as contact dermatitis. This disease is characterized by a red, itchy rash and dry, scaly skin. Sometimes, swelling or blisters appear that can burst and ooze.
There are two types of contact dermatitis, namely irritant contact dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis. Both are distinguished based on the causes and substances that trigger them.
Irritant contact dermatitis
This is the most common contact dermatitis. The reaction occurs because the skin is injured due to friction, low temperature, chemicals such as acids, alkalis, and detergents, or other triggers. Substances or products that trigger include:
- cleaning products like bleach or detergent,
- rubbing alcohol,
- soap, shampoo, and other body cleansers,
- certain plants,
- fertilizers, pesticides, and others.
Allergic contact dermatitis
This condition occurs when you come into contact with substances that trigger an immune system response in the skin. Reactions can also occur when an allergen enters your body through food, medication, or medical procedures such as a dental exam.
Substances and products that often trigger are:
- metal jewelry,
- medications, including antibiotic creams and antihistamine allergy medications,
- deodorants, soaps, hair dyes, and cosmetics,
- plants like poison ivy, as well
- latex and rubber.
3. Seborrheic dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis is slightly different from other types of dermatitis. Inflammation usually attacks the scalp and causes dry, scaly skin like dandruff. In adolescents and adults, symptoms can also appear on the forehead, chest, and groin.
This disease begins with the uncontrolled growth of the Malassezia fungus. The immune system tries to kill the fungus by producing inflammation. However, this response actually produces symptoms that get worse when they occur:
- stress,
- a disease or hormonal change,
- changes in the weather to cool and dry, or
- exposure to harsh cleaning products to the skin.
4. Neurodermatitis
Neurodermatitis is a skin disease that begins with itching in a small area of skin. If the itchy part of the skin is constantly scratched, small red spots will appear which then widen into blots.
This disease can cause itching in various parts of the body such as the neck, arms and legs, to the genital area. The cause is unknown, but the risk is higher in women, people with anxiety disorders, and people with a family history of eczema.
5. Numeral dermatitis
Nummular dermatitis or discoid eczema is a skin disease characterized by a red, circular rash like a coin. This disease can also cause fluid-filled blisters that can gradually dry up into ulcers.
The exact cause is unknown, but triggers can come from dry and sensitive skin, insect bites, or other types of dermatitis. Discoid eczema that appears on the legs may be due to a lack of blood flow to the lower body.
Other types of dermatitis that need to be known
Apart from the dermatitis that many people experience, there are also other types of dermatitis that are distinguished by the location of the symptoms, the form of the rash on the skin, and others. Here are among them.
1. Dermatitis venenata
Dermatitis venenata has a characteristic symptom of long blisters that feel painful and hot. This condition is often mistaken for shingles, even though the cause is bites, saliva, or insect hair that sticks to the skin.
2. Dermatitis herpetiformis
Dermatitis herpetiformis is an autoimmune disorder caused by the buildup of IgA antibodies, which are usually triggered by consumption of gluten. Symptoms are similar to insect bites, but the itching is often unbearable, so it must be treated with medication.
3. Stasis dermatitis
Also known as venous eczema, this disease is caused by a lack of blood flow to the legs. Patients with stasis dermatitis usually also suffer from obesity, high blood pressure, kidney failure, and other diseases that interfere with blood circulation.
4. Perioral dermatitis
Perioral dermatitis attacks the skin around the mouth. The exact cause is unknown, but it may be related to problems with the skin's protective ability, the immune system, or an imbalance in the amount of bacteria and fungi on facial skin.
5. Intertriginous dermatitis
Source: MedicineNet
Commonly known as intertrigo, this skin disease causes a rash in the skin folds, such as behind the ears, neck and groin. Bacteria thrive in moist skin folds. Gradually, its growth can cause inflammation.
6. Dermatitis medical
Medical dermatitis is also called drug eruption. The reason is, this condition is caused by the use of oral, injectable, or inhaled drugs that unconsciously trigger an allergic reaction. However, the reaction needs to be distinguished from contact dermatitis due to topical drugs.
7. Exfoliative dermatitis
Exfoliative or erythrodermic dermatitis is characterized by a red rash and large areas of peeling skin. The causes are very diverse, ranging from drug reactions, other types of dermatitis, cancers in the form of leukemia and lymphoma, to autoimmune disorders.
8. Dishidrosis
Dishidrosis causes intense itching and blisters on the palms, soles of the feet, and fingertips. The cause is unknown, but it is likely related to genetics because many people with a family history of eczema experience it.
Dermatitis is basically an inflammation of the skin. The causes and symptoms are very diverse, making dermatitis divided into many types. Different types of dermatitis may require different treatments.
This is why you need to consult a doctor if you experience symptoms of dermatitis. The doctor will run a series of tests to determine the diagnosis and type of dermatitis that you are experiencing so that treatment can be optimal.