Dermatitis Specialist

What causes dermatitis?

Dermatitis can be caused by a wide variety of issues that can lead to irritation of the skin all over your body. Some of the most common types of dermatitis and their causes are described below.

Atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis, the most common type of eczema, is caused by malfunctioning of your immune system. Your body can’t retain adequate moisture in your skin and you wind up suffering from chronic itchy, inflamed skin.

Contact dermatitis

Contact dermatitis occurs when your skin comes into contact with an allergen. Common causes of contact dermatitis include chemicals, laundry detergent, cosmetics, and poison ivy, to name a few.

Dyshidrotic dermatitis

Dyshidrotic dermatitis tends to occur in areas where you have excessive moisture or perspiration, which is why it causes flare-ups on the palms of your hands and soles of your feet. This type of dermatitis can cause blisters that burn and itch so much that walking becomes painful.

Neurodermatitis

Also known as lichen simplex chronicus, neurodermatitis stems from continuous scratching and itching, like if you’ve had a mosquito bite. You start developing scaly patches that can become thickened and leathery as your skin works to protect itself.

Seborrheic dermatitis

Recognized for causing dandruff on your scalp and yellowish, oily, scaly patches on your body, seborrheic dermatitis is known for running in families. It’s also triggered by weather, emotional stress, and infrequent shampooing.

When should I get treatment for dermatitis?

Because dermatitis can cause widespread discomfort and start lowering your quality of life, the compassionate team at Seacoast Dermatology, encourage you to schedule a dermatitis evaluation if you experience:

• Skin infections
• Burning or painful skin
• Overly dry, flaky skin
• Blisters that open up, ooze, and crust over
• Difficulty working, exercising, or participating in enjoyable activities

It’s also important to get treatment for dermatitis if skin pain and itching are becoming so severe, you can’t get a good night’s sleep.

Which dermatitis treatment is most effective?

After a thorough diagnostic process in which your dedicated dermatologist examines your skin, looks at your previous medical history, and orders any essential labs, you can get started on dermatitis treatment right away. Your dermatitis treatment plan may include:

• Antihistamine drugs
• Specialized moisturizers
• Topical corticosteroid creams
• Light therapy sessions (phototherapy)
• Specialized calcineurin inhibitor lotions that affect your immune function
  
  

Because it’s important to know what triggers your dermatitis flare-ups, for instance, if you have allergies that lead to contact dermatitis, your dedicated dermatologist at Seacoast Dermatology, also educates you on lifestyle changes you can make to minimize dermatitis issues.

Before your dermatitis flares up again, contact Seacoast Dermatology, for an evaluation. Book your dermatitis exam online, or call your most convenient clinic directly.