Dermatitis is a simple term used to describe skin inflammation. When you have dermatitis, your skin typically looks dry, swollen, and red, and it often feels itchy. There are several types of dermatitis, and each has its own set of triggers and symptoms.

Types of Dermatitis

1. Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)

Atopic dermatitis, sometimes known as eczema, is one of the most common forms. If you have this type, you might notice dry, itchy patches on your skin, which can become inflamed and sometimes infected if scratched too much. It’s often seen in families with a history of allergies or asthma.

2. Contact Dermatitis

This type occurs when your skin reacts to something it touches, causing localized inflammation. There are two main kinds:

Allergic Contact Dermatitis: This happens when your skin reacts to a substance (allergen) it’s allergic to, like nickel in jewelry or certain ingredients in cosmetics.
Irritant Contact Dermatitis: This is caused by direct contact with a harsh substance like bleach or strong soaps, leading to skin damage.

3. Seborrheic Dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis mainly affects your scalp, causing scaly patches, red skin, and stubborn dandruff. It can also occur on oily areas of your body, like your face, sides of your nose, eyebrows, ears, eyelids, and even chest.

4. Stasis Dermatitis

This type is related to circulatory problems and is often seen in the lower legs. If you have stasis dermatitis, your legs may become swollen, red, and itchy, and skin ulcers can develop in more severe cases.

Symptoms of Dermatitis

The symptoms can vary depending on the type of dermatitis you have, but generally, they include:

Redness and swelling of the skin
Itchy, dry, or scaly patches
Blisters, oozing, or crusting in severe cases
Sensitive, raw skin from scratching

What Causes Dermatitis?

The cause of dermatitis varies with the type:

Atopic Dermatitis: Often linked to a genetic predisposition and is part of the “atopic triad” that includes asthma and hay fever.
Contact Dermatitis: Incited by an allergen or irritant.
Seborrheic Dermatitis: This may be related to a yeast (fungus) in the oil secretion on your skin.
Stasis Dermatitis: Usually related to poor circulation, often seen in people with varicose veins or other conditions that affect blood flow to the legs.

Managing Dermatitis

While there’s no cure for dermatitis, you can manage the symptoms:

Moisturize: Regularly using moisturizers can help keep the skin hydrated.
Avoid Triggers: Knowing and avoiding the substances that trigger your dermatitis is key.
Medications: Over-the-counter and prescription creams can help reduce inflammation and itching.
Good Skin Care: Gentle skin care and avoiding harsh soaps can help prevent irritation.