Dermatitis, also known as eczema, is a common skin condition characterized by redness, swelling, and intense itching. It is caused by skin irritation or sensitization and can develop from allergic, irritant, or autoimmune factors. The main types of dermatitis include contact dermatitis, which occurs when the skin comes into contact with an irritating substance, and atopic dermatitis, a chronic inflammatory skin disease. Treatment focuses on eliminating triggers, moisturizing the skin, and using topical corticosteroids or oral antihistamines to reduce inflammation and itching.

1. Dermatitis
Name: Seyedsaeid Seyedraoufi Subject: Dermatology
Lecturer: Dr.Nata Korsantia
Oct 2021
Clinical Dermatology Book by Carol Soutor and Maria K. Hordinsky, First Edition 2013

2. What is dermatitis?
Dermatitis is a common occupational skin disease often
caused by repeated skin irritation or sensitization,
symptoms include:
• Skin redness or soreness
• Itching
• Skin rash or inflammation
• Skin cracking or peeling
• Dermatitis is easy to detect and can be managed using
simple procedures but can be irreversible if left untreated

3.  DEFINITION
Dermatitis, also known as eczema, is inflammation of the skin. It is characterized
by itchy, erythematous, vesicular, weeping and crusting patches. The term eczema
is also commonly used to describe atopic dermatitis, also known as atopic eczema.
The cause of dermatitis in unclear. One possibility is a dysfunctional interplay
between the immune system and skin.
 SIGN AND SYMPTOMS
• Redness
• Swelling
• Intense itching
• Skin lesions such as red bumps, blisters and pustules
• When the skin lesions heal, scars may form over affected area

4. Types of dermatitis
 Contact dermatitis
• Irritant contact dermatitis
• Allergic contact dermatitis
 Occupational dermatitis
 Dyshidrotic eczema
 Nummular eczema
 Seborrheic dermatitis
 Neurodermatitis
 Stasis dermatitis
 Perioral dermatitis

5.  Irritant contact dermatitis
• Can be considered a form of physical damage which can be
caused by exposure to contact with irritant or corrosive
substances.
• Regular contact with mild irritants or brief contact with strong
irritants (or corrosive substances) increases the risk of
dermatitis as does prolonged contact with relevant substances.
• Can also be caused by physical conditions e.g. extremes of
temperature or sweating caused by prolonged use of gloves
(including nitrile gloves).
• The risk of irritant dermatitis is increased in individuals who
have atopic eczema or other skin conditions

6.  Allergic contact dermatitis
• Many substances can act as sensitizers meaning
that the body develops an allergy to them after
one or more exposures. In many cases there
will be no immediate evidence that an
individual has been affected.
• Once an individual has become sensitized it is
likely that they will remain so permanently,
even a very minor exposure can then lead to a
severe immune response causing the skin to
become red and itchy.

7.  Occupational dermatitis
• this is the term used to describe a type of contact dermatitis that is caused by exposure to an
agent in the work place. This condition is one of the most common causes of illness at work.
Preventing the skin from coming into contact with the agents or the chemicals trigger a
reaction is vital in controlling this condition.
 Dyshidrotic eczema
• an uncommon skin condition characterized by blisters forming on the soles of the feet and
palms of the hands
 Nummular eczema
• red, dry and itchy skin develops, usually on the forearms, chest, back or abdomen. • Seborrheic
dermatitis a long-term disorder affecting areas of oily skin where sebaceous glands are present such
as the face, scalp or inside of the ears

8.  Neurodermatitis
• A condition that causes an overwhelming urge to scratch due to irritation of the
nerve ending underneath the skin
 Stasis dermatitis
• This is caused by varicose veins affecting venous drainage and causing blood to
pool in the legs.
 Perioral dermatitis
• The condition that mainly affect women and refers to the development of the rash
around of the mouth formed of tiny raised, red bumps.

9.  What can cause dermatitis?
A common cause of dermatitis is contact with something that irritates your skin or
triggers an allergic reaction — for example, poison ivy, perfume, lotion and
jewelry containing nickel. Other causes of dermatitis include dry skin, a viral
infection, bacteria, stress, genetic makeup and a problem with the immune system.
Risk factors
 Common risk factors for dermatitis include:
Age. Dermatitis can occur at any age, but atopic dermatitis (eczema) is more
common in children than adults, and it usually begins in infancy.
Allergies and asthma. People who have a personal or family history of eczema,
allergies, hay fever or asthma are more likely to develop atopic dermatitis.
Occupation. Jobs that put you in contact with certain metals, solvents or cleaning
supplies increase your risk of contact dermatitis. Being a health care worker is
linked to hand eczema.
Health conditions. Health conditions that put you at increased risk of seborrheic
dermatitis include congestive heart failure, Parkinson's disease and HIV/AIDS.

10. Treatments
The exact treatment approach depends on the cause and type of dermatitis but generally the condition is managed
in the following ways :
 Topical Steroid Agents Locally applied steroid creams or gels are useful in treating allergic contact dermatitis
and atopic dermatitis steroids such azomethane, clobetasol, betamethasone, hydrocortisone help to suppress
local inflammation and prevent symptoms from flaring up
 Moisturizer useful in treating atopic dermatitis as they help prevent drying and cracking of the skin. products
such as calamine lotion may also ease itching and soothe the skin. Antihistamines Itching, swelling and redness
of the skin caused by allergic may be relieved using antihistaminic medication such as diphenhydramine and
cetirizine. These are available over the counter in the form of tablets

11.  Pain relievers Non steroid anti
inflammatory medication such as
ibuprofen, diclofenac and aspirin can be
taken to ease any pain associated with
dermatitis and can be either prescribed.
 Trigger Avoidance Avoiding the
factors that seem to cause the dermatitis
is an important approach to preventing
flare-up of the condition. Clothes made
of cotton and worn loosely can help to
avoid the skin irritation.
 Any soaps used should be mild and not
scented to avoid skin irritation