Dermatitis

Dermatitis, or eczema, is an itchy skin condition that may be caused by contact with products or chemicals that bring about a reaction in the skin. The terms are used interchangeably and broadly to include many different diagnoses. Some of these are:

• Atopic dermatitis
• Seborrheic dermatitis
• Dyshidrotic dermatitis
• Allergic contact dermatitis
• Irritant contact dermatitis
• Asteatotic dermatitis

The dermatologist will examine the patient and take a thorough history to help clarify the diagnosis. Sometimes a biopsy or patch testing may need to be performed.  Once the diagnosis has been made, the focus shifts to making the patient more comfortable. While it depends on the precise diagnosis, most forms of dermatitis will improve with topical steroid treatment. Other methods, such as dry skin care precautions and good moisturization, also go far to prevent the dermatitis from recurring.