The intent of this article is to provide answers to the questions most people have about different types of dermatitis.

What does dermatitis look like? Some people say it resembles a very bad sunburn. Others describe it as looking like you scalded yourself with hot water. Blisters are typical with some types of dermatitis, and so are liquid secretions on the skin’s surface. It’s important (but often difficult) to resist the urge to scratch when you have dermatitis, because scratching only makes the skin look worse and aggravates the condition.

What typically causes dermatitis? There are many possible causes for dermatitis. In some people the cause is genetic. Others have allergies that trigger skin problems. Irritants and pollution in your environment are among the causes of dermatitis. Some types of dermatitis may also be triggered by stress – both physical and emotional. Causes, as you might expect, are different for different types of the disease.

Are different kinds of dermatitis contagious? No, it is not. You don’t need to worry about getting dermatitis from another person.

What different types of dermatitis are there?

Atopic dermatitis This is a chronic, itchy rash that will come and go and it’s often referred to as eczema.
Atopic dermatitis may be at its worst during childhood and grow less severe with maturity. Stress is not considered to be a cause of eczema, but it’s generally believed that stress can make it worse. No one knows exactly why some people get eczema and others don’t, but a problem with the immune system may be to blame. Also, dry irritable skin may be a factor.

Doctors usually treat this kind of dermatitis with one of several lotions that contain hydrocortisone.

Contact or allergic dermatitis This type of dermatitis occurs when a irritant literally “makes contact” with your skin and causes a rash.

Seborrheic dermatitis The most prominent symptom of this type of dermatitis is a red rash combined with yellowish, oily-looking scales on the scalp. When infants have seborrheic dermatitis, it’s called cradle cap. Seborrheic dermatitis may be triggered by neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease or by oily hair and skin or physical stress.

Doctors generally recommend special shampoos with tar, pyrithione zinc, salicylic acid or ketoconazole as the active ingredient. as the most reliable treatment. Hydrocortisone creams and lotions are another option.

Perioral dermatitis This type is believed to be a form of rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis or adult acne. Certain moisturizers, makeup and topical corticosteroids may make this condition worse, so don’t try to self-treat it – talk to your doctor about ways to get relief.

Tetracycline, an antibiotic administered orally, is usually the most effective treatment, although it can take a while before the rash goes away completely. Once the rash is gone however, it often returns. Therefore your doctor may suggest continuing treatment for several months to prevent a recurrence.

Neurodermatitis Psoriasis, eczema and dry skin are often associated with this type of dermatitis. This kind of dermatitis typically features an itching sensation in a specific part of the body, especially the neck, wrists, ankles or arms. Hydrocortisone lotions and creams may help soothe your skin, along with wet compresses. Doctors will prescribe antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications for some patients. Most important, you must avoid scratching the affected area of the skin. It will make the condition much worse.

Stasis dermatitis This is a form of dermatitis that happens when fluid builds up under the skin. Because of this fluid accumulation, the skin can’t get the nourishment it needs. Generally speaking, this type of dermatitis appears in the legs. Treating stasis dermatitis begins with determining the cause of the fluid accumulation and correcting it. Surgery is sometimes necessary, but often, you can get relief simply by wearing elastic support stockings. Sometimes, you can get relief by applying wet dressings, which not only soften fragile, thickened skin but help prevent infection.

Need more information on treatment of dermatitis? Click on what is dermatitis?. Neal Kennedy is a former TV and radio journalist with a special interest in topics related to common skin problems. You can read more of his articles by visiting what to do about common skin problems.

There are various types of eczema treatments including atopic eczema, contact dermatitis, cerotic eczema and seborrhoea eczema along with several others. The skin tends to become red and inflamed and these tend to itch. The inflamed red rashes can sometimes lead to opening of the skin and bleeding. Although eczema cannot be completely cured, the symptoms like itching, dryness of skin and eczema rash can be alleviated and episodes can be kept minimal.

If dryness of the skin is avoided, the other symptoms too will be reduced. Some lotions like Calamine can be used to keep the skin cool and prevent dryness of the skin. This will help in preventing itching and thereby reduce the incidence of rashes.

Harsh soaps and detergents are to be avoided as they can irritate the skin and trigger symptoms of eczema. Diet modifications are also advised by dermatologists as some foods are capable of triggering symptoms of eczema. Cotton clothing is preferred to other materials as some fabrics can cause itching and rashes.

Rash and itching are common symptoms of Eczema. Although itching is commonly seen in many other skin conditions, eczema does not normally occur without rashes being present. Although no cure exists for eczema, symptoms like rashes and itching can be reduced by following appropriate methods from your Doctor.